Banner

Ebikes are taking off across Western Australia, offering a clean, efficient and enjoyable way to get around—but they’re governed by specific rules. Whether you’re commuting, running errands or teaching the kids, here’s your complete guide to WA’s e-bike laws on:

  • Helmet requirements
  • Motor wattage limits
  • Pillion passengers & age limits
  • Where you can (and can’t) ride
  • Speed limits & rules
  • Children riding ebikes

NB: This article is for guidance only. Always check the official WA Government links below for the latest regulations.

1. Do You Need to Wear a Helmet on an Ebike in WA?

Yes — helmets are compulsory for all riders and any passengers on bicycles and e-bikes in Western Australia.

“Cyclists and eRiders must wear a helmet while riding. Approved helmets carry a sticker or label certifying they have passed stringent safety tests.”
— WA Government: Cyclists Western Australian Government

This applies on roads, bike lanes, shared paths, footpaths and in off-road reserves. Passengers in child seats or trailers must also wear an approved helmet.

2. What Is the Legal Wattage for Ebikes in WA?

Western Australia follows the Australian Standard AS EN15194 for electrically power-assisted cycles (EPACs). To be treated as a bicycle, an e-bike must:

  • Be EN15194-certified, with the manufacturer’s label indicating compliance.
  • Have a maximum continuous motor power of 250 W.
  • Provide assistance only while pedalling, cutting out at 25 km/h.

“Pedelecs must be certified by the manufacturer and labelled as complying with EN 15194, i.e. the label must include the manufacturer’s name, the motor’s cut-off speed in km/h and the electric motor’s maximum continuous rated power output in watts.”
— WA Police–endorsed Cycling Rules (City of Vincent) City of Vincent

E-bikes with motors exceeding these limits, or capable of propulsion without pedalling, are classified as motor vehicles—requiring registration, a licence and insurance.

3. Can You Carry a Pillion Passenger on an E-Bike?

Yes—but only if the e-bike is designed to carry a passenger:

  • Tandem frames, dedicated pillion seats, or approved trailers/child seats must be fitted.
  • Footrests or appropriate seating attachments must be provided.
  • Both rider and passenger must wear approved helmets.

“The number and design of seats on a bicycle governs the number, size and age of passengers it can legally carry.”
— WA Police–endorsed Cycling Rules (City of Vincent) City of Vincent

Riding with someone perched on the handlebars, frame tubes or pegs is illegal and unsafe.

4. What Are the Age Limits for Riding with a Pillion Passenger?

  • Rider’s minimum age to tow a trailer: 16 years
  • Child passengers in trailers: must be under 10 years and wear a helmet.
  • Child seats: passenger must be at least 1 year old, properly secured and wearing a helmet.

“Children can be carried in an approved child bicycle seat or bicycle trailer, providing the rider is at least 16 years of age. The passengers must be under the age of ten.”
— WA Police–endorsed Cycling Rules (City of Vincent) City of Vincent

There is no separate legal minimum age for riders carrying non-child passengers, so long as the bike is built for two.

5. Where Can You Ride an Ebike in WA?

Ebikes meeting the above specs are treated as bicycles and may be ridden on:

LocationAllowed?Notes
Roads (no dividing lines)✅Only on roads with ≤ 50 km/h speed limit; standard road rules apply
Bicycle lanes✅On roads where speed ≤ 50 km/h
Footpaths✅Anyone can ride, unless signed otherwise; ride single file and give way to peds Transport WA
Shared paths & cycleways✅Use the bicycle-only side where paths are divided Western Australian Government
Roads (dividing lines)❌Prohibited—must use adjacent cycleway or lane
Roads > 50 km/h❌Prohibited—unless a dedicated bike lane exists
Paths marked “No wheeled devices”❌Prohibited

“When using a separated path, eRideables should use the bicycle part.”
— WA Government: eRideables Western Australian Government

6. What Are the Speed Limits for Ebikes?

  • Motor assistance must cut out at 25 km/h for EPACs.
  • Pedalling alone may propel the bike above 25 km/h.
  • On footpaths/shared paths, there is no fixed speed limit, but riders must travel at a safe, appropriate speed and give way to pedestrians Transport WA.

Excessive speed—especially in mixed-use areas—can incur fines and endanger others.

7. Can Children Legally Ride Ebikes in WA?

There is no minimum legal age for riding an EPAC in WA. However:

  • Under 16 years: Best suited to 250 W pedal-assist models and adult supervision is strongly recommended.
  • WA Police advise children under 9 years should not ride on roads unless closely supervised.
  • All child riders must wear a helmet and obey the same rules as adults.

“The WA Police recommend that children under nine years of age do not ride on a road unless closely supervised by a responsible adult.”
— WA Police–endorsed Cycling Rules (City of Vincent) City of Vincent

Parents should ensure their child can safely control the e-bike and understands basic road rules before any unsupervised rides.

8. Quick Summary of WA Ebike Laws

RuleRequirement
HelmetMandatory for all riders & passengers Western Australian Government
Motor power≤ 250 W continuous; EN15194-certified; cuts out at 25 km/h City of Vincent
Pillion passengersOnly on purpose-built seats/trailers; helmets & footrests required
Child passenger≥ 1 year old in approved seat; trailer < 10 years; rider ≥ 16 years for trailers City of Vincent
Where to rideRoads ≤ 50 km/h (no dividing lines), bike lanes, footpaths, shared paths Western Australian Government
Speed rulesMotor off > 25 km/h; safe speed on shared paths
Children ridingNo min. age; ≤ 250 W; helmet & supervision recommended City of VincentTransport WA

9. Official Government References

Enjoy exploring Western Australia on two (electric) wheels—safely and legally!

Categorized in:

Tips

Tagged in:

Banner