E-bike and electric trike rules in South Australia

In South Australia, a legal e-bike is pedalled, with a motor of up to 250W continuous rated power. The help eases off above 6 km/h and stops at 25 km/h, or when you stop pedalling above 6 km/h. There's also a rarer category with a motor of up to 200W (SA Government: riding a power-assisted bicycle).

E-bikes with a more powerful motor, or that can be ridden without pedalling, can't be ridden on South Australian roads or paths (SA Government: riding a power-assisted bicycle).

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 current rules don't name it. South Australia's recent review asked whether the European standard EN 15194 should be adopted (YourSAy: review of PMD and e-bike rules).

No. You don't need a driver's licence, registration or compulsory third-party insurance for an e-bike or electric trike that meets the rules (SA Government: riding a power-assisted bicycle). There's no minimum age at the moment.

Yes. In South Australia, riders of all ages can use footpaths, even where there's a bike lane on the road (My Licence SA: cycling laws). On a footpath or shared path:

• keep to the left
• give way to people walking
• use your bell or voice to warn people if needed
• follow any "no bikes" signs.

An electric trike is wider than a bike, so slow down early near people, driveways and corners.

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 (Australian Road Rules (SA), rules 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 (rule 257).
• For shopping and cargo, stay within the max total load on the product page.

Wear an approved bike helmet, fitted and done up. Your bike or trike needs effective brakes and a bell or other warning device. At night, you need a white front light and a red rear light, each visible from 200 metres, plus a red rear reflector (SA Government: riding a power-assisted bicycle).

• Review of e-bike rules: from June to August 2026, the South Australian Government asked for feedback on e-bikes, including whether to adopt EN 15194, introduce a minimum age, require a learner's permit, and change speed limits on footpaths and shared paths. While feedback is considered, the current rules apply (YourSAy: review of PMD and e-bike rules).

We'll update this page when the outcome is announced.

What this means for e-trike buyers in South Australia: an electric trike is treated like a bicycle, so there's no licence or registration, and riders of all ages can use footpaths. The 250W limit applies, so the 500W version is for private property and off-road use only.

South Australia's road rules include tricycles in the definition of a bicycle (Australian Road Rules (SA), dictionary). An electric trike that meets the limits above is ridden just like a bike.

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 South Australia, 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.

• 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.

• 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 South Australia.

Each product page lists the motor for that model. See our electric trikes

The same rules apply to two-wheel e-bikes. Our Miniwave folding e-bike is certified to EN 15194.

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.

• SA Government: riding a power-assisted bicycle, checked 16 October 2026
• My Licence SA: cycling laws, checked 16 October 2026
• Australian Road Rules (SA), checked 16 October 2026
• YourSAy: review of PMD and e-bike rules, 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, WA, Tasmania, the ACT, the NT, or e-bike rules across Australia.

• 16 October 2026: page published, checked against official government guidance and legislation.