Are electric motorcycles legal in Australia?

In Australia, more people are choosing electric vehicles. This includes electric motorcycles. They are good for the environment and save money on fuel.

Many people are unsure about the rules for these vehicles. They especially wonder if high-power E Motor Bikes can be legally used on the road. This has become a concern for many buyers.

This article will take you to quickly understand Australia's electric motorcycle regulations, market conditions, and how to ensure that your electric motorcycle is legally used in Australia.

Electric motorcycles in Australia

Australia has strict rules for classifying electric vehicles. If you are considering buying an E-Bike or E-Motorcycle, it is best to understand the basic rules first.

1. bikes classification and regulations

🔹 Power ≤250W

Maximum power-assisted speed 25km/h (only human-powered after exceeding this speed)

No registration or driver's license required

Suitable for commuting and leisure riding

🔹 Power ＞250W

Registration, insurance and motorcycle driver's license (R or L class) required

Suitable for road and off-road driving

Need to comply with Australian Design Rules (ADR)

2. Different regulations in different states

The regulations for E-Bikes and E-Motorcycles in different Australian states are slightly different:

✔️Victoria (VIC): Electric bicycles under 250W do not need to be registered, but higher-powered electric motorcycles require registration and a driver's license.

✔️ New South Wales (NSW): Regulations are stricter, and illegal high-power E-Bikes may be fined.

✔️Queensland (QLD): Supports the purchase of small electric vehicles (such as E-Scooters), and some high-power E-Motor Bikes can also be used legally.

✔️ Western Australia (WA) and South Australia (SA): The policies are relatively relaxed, but speed and registration requirements still apply.

Therefore, before purchasing and using electric motorcycles in various states, be sure to check local regulations first.

3. Australian Market Status

The government is encouraging the use of electric vehicles, and although there are not many subsidies for electric motorcycles, some states provide tax breaks or support for charging infrastructure construction.

It is expected that the Australian E-Motorcycle market will continue to expand in the next few years, and regulations may be gradually adjusted to accommodate the growth of electric transportation.

4. How to ensure your E-Bike or E-Motorcycle is road legal?

🔍 1. Check the power of the vehicle before purchasing - E-Bikes below 250W are the most convenient, you can buy and ride without registration.

📜 2. Buy a model that meets the ADR standard - If it is a high-power E-Motorcycle, it must comply with the Australian Motor Vehicle Standards (ADR), otherwise it may not be registered.

📍 3. Pay attention to the driving area - not all electric motorcycles can be driven on public roads, especially off-road electric motorcycles (such as Keteles K800), which may only be used on private venues or dedicated tracks.

🚗 4. Registration and insurance - If your E-Motorcycle needs to be registered, don't forget to buy compulsory insurance (CTP).

5. Future Trends of Electric Motorcycles in Australia

🔋 Battery Technology Upgrade – In the future, E-Motorcycles will have longer battery life, shorter charging time, and more convenient use.

⚡ Regulations may be relaxed – Australia currently has strict regulations on high-power electric motorcycles, but as market demand increases, regulations may be adjusted to allow higher-power E-Motor Bikes to be legally on the road.

🌱 Government Support for Electric Transportation – Although Australia currently has limited subsidies for E-Motorcycles, there may be more policies in the future to encourage the use of electric transportation.