Mopeds in the Australian Capital Territory (2026)
Last reviewed: 13 October 2026
In short: In the ACT the road rules require the rider of a two-wheeled motor vehicle, including a moped, to wear an approved helmet. Other moped rules have not been confirmed yet.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Minimum age to ridePrivately owned | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| LicencePrivately owned | Motorcycle licence (class R) for a moped that is a motorbike. A car licence does not cover a motorbike. [1] |
| Helmet requiredPrivately owned | Yes [2] |
| Insurance requiredPrivately owned | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Plate / registrationPrivately owned | A registered moped must have at least 1 numberplate attached to its rear. [3] |
| Maximum design speedPrivately owned | up to 50 km/h (design speed) [3] |
Notes
- This rule has not been confirmed from an official source for this jurisdiction yet.
- The ACT regulations define a moped as a motorbike or motortrike with an engine of up to 50 ml and a maximum speed of 50 km/h.
- The ACT road rules do not define a moped. Section 270 applies to any motor vehicle with 2 wheels, so it covers a two-wheeled moped.
- The ACT regulations define a moped as a motorbike or motortrike, so the rule for those vehicles applies.
- This is the ACT definition of a moped, which is a motorbike or motortrike with an engine of up to 50 ml.
Sources
- ACT Parliamentary Counsel: Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Regulation 2000 SL2000-14 (republication 83, effective 13 June 2026) (consulted 15 October 2026) · all sources
- ACT Parliamentary Counsel: Road Transport (Road Rules) Regulation 2017 SL2017-43 (republication 17, effective 3 November 2025) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
- ACT Parliamentary Counsel: Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2000 SL2000-12 (republication 62, effective 5 January 2026) (consulted 15 October 2026) · all sources
More rules in Australian Capital Territory
- E-scootersUse on public roads: Yes, mainly footpaths and shared paths
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 18+ within the limit · Growing at home: Yes, 2 plants per adult, 4 per home
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h
- Deposit return schemes and plastic bagsNational deposit return scheme in operation: Yes, container deposit scheme · 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: 15 years 9 months, with a supervisor
- Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Prescribed drug in system is an offence · THC threshold: Any THC present
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Same rights as bicycles
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (licence or permit needed)
- Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, while a visitor · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Permanent visa: ACT 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: Flick and butterfly knives prohibited
- 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 untouched; L/P: no voice use
- 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, compulsory · Minimum alarms and where: On or near the ceiling in bedrooms or in the corridor that leads to bedrooms, installed as per the manufacturer's instructions and the National Construction Code. A multi-level home needs smoke alarms on each level, interconnected.
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 18
- Towing trailers and caravansTrailer mass allowed with a car licence in any combination: Up to 9,000 kg GVM
- 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: 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.