E-bikes and speed pedelecs in Queensland (2026)
Last reviewed: 13 October 2026
In short: E-bikes must have a motor of no more than 250 W continuous output that assists only up to 25 km/h, and the rider must pedal above 6 km/h. From 31 August 2026 riders must be 16 or over with at least a learner licence (with exemptions), and a helmet is required. Footpaths have a 12 km/h limit.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Legal classRiding on public roads | Bicycle rules [1] |
| Assistance stops atRiding on public roads | up to 25 km/h (design speed) [1] |
| Maximum motor powerRiding on public roads | Maximum continuous motor output of 250 watts. Devices with a motor capable of more than 250 watts, even if locked to a lower limit, are illegal. Pedalling is required above 6 km/h. [1] |
| Minimum ageRiding on public roads | 16 years or older from 31 August 2026. Supervised riders aged 12 to 17, medical exemptions and designated recreational areas are exempt. [1] |
| HelmetRiding on public roads | A helmet must be worn, properly fastened under the chin. Bicycle and motorbike helmets are approved. [1] |
| LicenceRiding on public roads | A valid driver licence, at least a learner licence (Queensland, interstate or overseas), from 31 August 2026. Exemptions as for the age rule. [1] |
| Plate and insuranceRiding on public roads | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Cycle pathsRiding on public roads | Footpaths: 12 km/h at all times. Shared paths: the signed limit, and 12 km/h when passing pedestrians. Roads, bike lanes and separated bikeways: specific signed limits apply. No riding on motorways or where 'no bicycle' signs are installed. [1] |
Notes
- The bicycle road rules apply (with cycling fines), together with the age, licence, power and labelling requirements. A compliance label (EN 15194 or assurance scheme) is mandatory by 28 February 2027.
- Exemptions: supervised riders aged 12 to 17, medical or disability exemptions, and designated recreational areas such as rail trails. Eligible medical exemptions have a grace period to 30 November 2026.
Sources
- Queensland Government (Department of Transport and Main Roads, StreetSmarts): E-bikes | StreetSmarts - Queensland Government (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
More rules in Queensland
- E-scootersUse on public roads: Yes, paths and roads up to 60 km/h · Minimum age: 16 (12-17 if supervised)
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence · Growing at home: Banned
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 100 km/h (110 km/h where signed)
- Deposit return schemes and plastic bagsNational deposit return scheme in operation: Yes, container refund scheme · Deposit per container: 10c refund
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 17 (P1 licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16, with a supervisor
- Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Zero tolerance · THC threshold: Any trace of THC
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (unrestricted only)
- Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, while visiting · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Citizen or resident visa: Queensland licence after 3 months
- Home educationLegal status of home education: Registration required · Nature of the parental duty: School or registration
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Offence without reasonable excuse · Locking or one-handed knives: Some one-hand opening knives category M
- MopedsLicence: Class RE or car licence
- Motorcycles: helmets and licencesHelmet required for the rider: Yes · Helmet required for a passenger: Yes
- Paid holidayMinimum paid leave a year (weeks): 4 weeks (5 for some shiftworkers) · Minimum paid leave as the law states it: 4 weeks a year; extra week for some shiftworkers
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Open/P2 only; L/P1 under 25: none
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Smoke alarms in homesSmoke alarm legally required in homes: Yes, all homes · Minimum alarms and where: A smoke alarm in each bedroom. For each storey with bedrooms: in the hallway that a bedroom door opens onto (or, if a bedroom has no door to a hallway, in the part of the storey between that bedroom and the rest of the dwelling). For a storey with no bedrooms: on the most likely path of travel to an exit. All alarms must be interconnected.
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18
- Towing trailers and caravans
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 18 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 18
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: Under 0.05% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.00% (zero)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.