E-bike and electric trike rules in the ACT
Thinking about an e-bike or electric trike in Canberra? In the ACT, a legal e-bike has the same rights as a regular bicycle: no licence, no registration, and you can ride on roads, bike lanes, shared paths and footpaths.
Here's a plain-English guide to the ACT rules, how they connect to the national e-bike definition, and what to know when choosing an electric trike. Riding across the border? See the e-bike rules in NSW.
Updated October 2026 · Checked against Transport Canberra: cycling and related official guidance · General information, not legal advice.
ACT rules at a glance
- Motor power
Up to 250W (or a 200W category).
- Pedal assist
Help stops at 25 km/h while pedalling.
- Throttle
Without pedalling, help stops at 6 km/h.
- Licence and registration
Not needed for a legal e-bike or trike.
- Footpaths
Allowed. Keep left and give way to people walking.
- Minimum age
None found.
- Helmet
Required for riders and passengers.
Over the limits? It's treated as a motor vehicle, not a bicycle. See 250W or 500W?
Before using an e-bike or electric trike, check the applicable local laws relating to your intended use of the vehicle on roads and road related areas.
What counts as a legal e-bike or e-trike in the ACT?
The ACT has two categories of legal e-bike (Transport Canberra: cycling):
- Electrically power-assisted cycle (EPAC): a motor of up to 250W. You need to pedal above 6 km/h, and the motor stops helping at 25 km/h.
- Power-assisted pedal cycle: a motor of up to 200W, with an adjustable seat and a weight under 50 kg. You pedal at any speed.
Devices over these limits may be treated as motor vehicles. If they can't be registered, they can only be used on private property (Transport Canberra: cycling).
The national definition. Australia's national vehicle standards define an electrically power-assisted cycle (EPAC): a motor of up to 250W continuous rated power whose help eases off above 6 km/h and stops at 25 km/h, and stops when you're not pedalling above 6 km/h (Australian Design Rule definitions). Most states use this definition for e-bikes, and some add their own requirements, so it's worth checking the local rules below.
What about EN 15194? The ACT rules set the limits (250W, help up to 25 km/h) rather than naming a standard.
Do I need a licence?
No. "Legal e-bikes … have the same rights to use the roads as unpowered bicycles" (Transport Canberra: cycling). You don't need a licence or registration, and we haven't found a minimum age in the ACT rules.
Where can I ride?
Bikes and legal e-bikes can be ridden on roads, on-road bike lanes, shared paths and footpaths (Transport Canberra: cycling).
| Place | Can I ride here? | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Roads | Yes | Two riders can ride side by side. |
| Bike lanes | Yes | If there's a bike lane, use it unless it isn't practical. |
| Shared paths | Yes | Keep left and give way to people walking. |
| Footpaths | Yes | Keep left, give way to people walking, and ride at a safe speed. Not where a "no bicycles" sign applies (Road Transport (Road Rules) Regulation 2017 (ACT), sections 250 and 252). |
Can I ride on the footpath in the ACT?
Yes. In the ACT, riders of any age can use footpaths. On a footpath or shared path, keep to the left and give way to pedestrians (Road Transport (Road Rules) Regulation 2017 (ACT), section 250), and always ride at a safe speed (Transport Canberra: cycling).
An electric trike is wider than a bike, so slow down early near people, driveways and corners.
Carrying a passenger or your shopping
You can carry a passenger if your bike or trike is designed for them, they sit in a seat made for them, and they wear a helmet (Road Transport (Road Rules) Regulation 2017 (ACT), sections 246 and 256).
- To tow someone in a bike trailer, you must be 16 or older, the passenger must be under 10, the trailer must be able to carry them safely, and they wear a helmet (section 257).
- For shopping and cargo, stay within the max total load on the product page.
Helmet, lights and bell
Wear an approved bike helmet, fitted and done up (Road Transport (Road Rules) Regulation 2017 (ACT), section 256). Your bike or trike needs at least one effective brake and a bell or horn, and at night, a white front light, a red rear light and a red rear reflector (sections 258 and 259).
What's changing in the ACT
- No change to the e-bike rules has been announced. ACT Policing has said it is focusing on compliance for trailbikes and e-rideables in 2026.
We'll update this page if the rules change.
Electric trikes in the ACT: what you need to know
What this means for e-trike buyers in the ACT: the ACT rules apply to bicycles, e-bikes and tricycles alike, so there's no licence or registration, and footpaths and shared paths are open. The 250W limit applies, so the 500W version is for private property and off-road use only.
How the rules apply to electric trikes
"In the ACT, there are specific road rules for bicycles and e-bikes. These rules apply to bicycles, e-bikes, tricycles, pedicabs and similar modes of transport" (Transport Canberra: cycling).
250W or 500W?
Ridewave electric trikes come in a 250W version and a 500W version.
- 250W: pedal assist set up to EN 15194 limits: help eases off above 6 km/h and stops at 25 km/h, with a start-up throttle up to 6 km/h.
- 500W: doesn't meet the e-bike rules in the ACT, so it can't be ridden on roads, bike paths, shared paths or footpaths. It's for private property and off-road use only, where permitted.
Before using an e-bike or electric trike, check the applicable local laws relating to your intended use of the vehicle on roads and road related areas.
Choosing an electric trike for a parent or partner
- Where will they ride? Roads, bike paths, shared paths or footpaths, following the rules above.
- Getting on and off: a low step-through frame makes it easier.
- Storage: will it fit in the garage, unit or car? Every Ridewave e-trike folds.
- What will they carry? Shopping, a passenger, or a pet.
- Try before you buy: book a test ride together.
How Ridewave electric trikes are set up
- Pedal assist up to 25 km/h: the motor helps while you pedal.
- Half-twist start-up throttle: helps you get moving from a stop, up to 6 km/h only.
- Rear differential and hydraulic disc brakes on all three wheels.
- Folds for storage and transport.
- Delivery: Free delivery to the ACT.
Each product page lists the motor for that model. See our electric trikes
What about two-wheel e-bikes?
The same rules apply to two-wheel e-bikes. Our Miniwave folding e-bike is certified to EN 15194.
Test ride an electric trike
The easiest way to decide is to try one. Book a test ride and we'll let you know the options near you, such as local stockists and brand advocates where available. Test rides are by appointment.
FAQ
Quick answers to common questions from riders in the ACT and their families.
Do I need a licence for an e-bike or electric trike in the ACT?
No. A legal e-bike has the same rights as an unpowered bicycle, with no licence or registration.
Can I ride on the footpath in Canberra?
Yes. Keep left, give way to people walking, and ride at a safe speed.
Do I have to use the bike lane?
If there's a bike lane, use it unless it isn't practical.
Is a 500W electric trike legal in the ACT?
Not on roads or paths. The limit is 250W, so the 500W version is for private property and off-road use only, where permitted.
Does my e-bike need EN 15194 in the ACT?
The ACT rules set the limits (250W, help up to 25 km/h) rather than naming a standard.
Are electric trikes covered by the same rules?
Yes. The ACT bicycle rules apply to bicycles, e-bikes and tricycles.
Is there a minimum age?
We haven't found a minimum age for e-bikes in the ACT rules.
Can I take my grandchild along?
Yes, in a seat designed for them, or in a bike trailer for a child under 10, with a helmet on. You need to be 16 or older to tow a trailer.
Do passengers need a helmet?
Yes. Passengers wear an approved bike helmet too.
How do I get an electric trike delivered to Canberra?
Order online. Delivery to the ACT is free.
Official sources
- Transport Canberra: cycling, checked 16 October 2026
- Road Transport (Road Rules) Regulation 2017 (ACT), checked 16 October 2026
- Australian Design Rule definitions (EPAC), checked 16 October 2026
Riding in another state or territory? See the rules in NSW, Victoria, QLD, SA, WA, Tasmania, the NT, or e-bike rules across Australia.
Page updates
- 16 October 2026: page published, checked against official government guidance and legislation.