E-bikes and speed pedelecs in Western Australia (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: Only power-assisted pedal cycles are legal: pedalecs (EN 15194, up to 250 W, assistance cutting out at 25 km/h) or other bikes up to 200 W. Riders must be 16 or over and wear an approved helmet, and the bicycle road rules apply, including footpath riding unless signed otherwise.

RuleWhat applies
Legal classRiding on public roadsBicycle rules [1]
Assistance stops atRiding on public roadsup to 25 km/h (design speed) [1]
Maximum motor powerRiding on public roadsPedalec (EN 15194): electric motor up to 250 W. Any other power-assisted pedal cycle: electric or petrol motor up to 200 W. With more than one motor the limit applies to the combined output. [1]
Minimum ageRiding on public roads16 years or older. Regulation 228 prohibits people under 16 from riding eBikes with the power assistance engaged. [1]
HelmetRiding on public roadsAn approved bicycle helmet, securely fastened, must be worn (unless exempt). Legal eBikes are bicycles under the Road Traffic Code 2000, so the bicycle helmet rule applies. [1]
LicenceRiding on public roadsNo driver's licence is needed to drive a power assisted pedal cycle on a road: regulation 55 of the Road Traffic (Authorisation to Drive) Regulations 2014 authorises it without a licence. [2]
Plate and insuranceRiding on public roads⚠ Not yet verified
Cycle pathsRiding on public roadsLegal eBike riders follow the same rules as bicycle riders. Cyclists of all ages may ride on footpaths unless signed otherwise, in single file, giving way to pedestrians. [1]

Notes

  • The 25 km/h cut-out is stated for pedalecs (EN 15194).
  • The pages read do not state whether a licence, registration or insurance applies to a legal eBike; non-compliant eBikes are treated as unlicensed motor vehicles.

Sources

  1. Government of Western Australia (Road Safety Commission): Bicycle riders (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  2. State Law Publisher, Government of Western Australia: Road Traffic (Authorisation to Drive) Regulations 2014 (compilation including amendments to SL 2024/58, commenced 1 July 2024) (consulted 15 October 2026) · all sources

More rules in Western Australia

  • E-scootersUse on public roads: Yes, paths and roads up to 50 km/h · Minimum age: 16
  • CannabisPossession for personal use: Offence; 10 g or less may get an intervention notice · Growing at home: Banned
  • Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 110 km/h
  • Deposit return schemes and plastic bagsNational deposit return scheme in operation: Yes, Containers for Change · Deposit per container: 10c refund
  • Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 17 (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16, with a supervisor
  • Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Specified drug in system is an offence · THC threshold: Any cannabis detected
  • FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (unrestricted only)
  • Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, while a visitor · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Citizen or permanent resident: transfer within 3 months
  • Home educationNature of the parental duty: School or registration
  • Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Offence without lawful excuse · Locking or one-handed knives: Flick and butterfly knives prohibited
  • MopedsMinimum age to ride: From 15 years 6 months · Licence: Class R-N or other WA 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: Mounted or not touched
  • 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, on rent or hire
  • Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18
  • Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 18 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 18

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.