E-bike and electric trike rules in WA
Thinking about an e-bike or electric trike in Western Australia? An e-bike that meets WA's rules is treated like a bicycle: no licence or registration, and riders of all ages can use footpaths. Riders do need to be 16 or older to ride with the power on.
Here's a plain-English guide to WA's rules, how they compare with the national e-bike definition, and what it means if you're choosing an electric trike.
Updated October 2026 · Checked against Road Safety Commission WA: bicycle riders and related official guidance · General information, not legal advice.
WA rules at a glance
- Motor power
Up to 250W if it meets EN 15194 (a "pedalec"). Otherwise up to 200W.
- Pedal assist
Help stops at 25 km/h on a pedalec.
- Throttle
Not for riding on the motor alone.
- Licence and registration
Not needed for an e-bike that meets WA rules.
- Footpaths
Allowed for riders of all ages, unless signs say otherwise.
- Minimum age
16 to ride with the power on.
- 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 WA?
In WA, there are two kinds of legal e-bike (Road Safety Commission WA: eBike rules (PDF); Road Traffic (Administration) Regulations 2014 (WA), regulation 4):
- Pedalec: meets the European standard EN 15194, with an electric motor of up to 250W that cuts out at 25 km/h.
- Other power-assisted pedal cycles: a motor of up to 200W in total.
An e-bike that doesn't meet WA rules can't be used on public roads or paths (Road Safety Commission WA: eBike rules (PDF)).
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.
How WA compares with the national definition: the national EPAC definition sets limits (250W, 25 km/h). WA's regulations describe a 250W e-bike as a "pedalec" that meets the European standard EN 15194. Like other road rules, these rules are about riding on roads and paths.
Do I need a licence?
No licence or registration is needed for an e-bike that meets WA rules. But you must be 16 or older to ride an e-bike with the power assistance on (Road Safety Commission WA: bicycle riders).
Where can I ride?
E-bikes that meet WA rules follow the same road rules as bicycles (Road Safety Commission WA: bicycle riders).
| Place | Can I ride here? | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Roads | Yes | |
| Bike lanes and bike paths | Yes | |
| Shared paths | Yes | Use your bell to let people know you're coming. |
| Footpaths | Yes, all ages | Ride in single file, and not where a "no bicycles" sign or marking applies (Road Safety Commission WA: bicycle riders). |
Can I ride on the footpath in WA?
Yes. "Cyclists of all ages may ride on footpaths in WA, unless otherwise signed" (Road Safety Commission WA: bicycle riders). Ride in single file, keep left, and give way to people walking.
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 children in attached child seats and bicycle trailers, as long as each child wears a helmet. The rider must be 16 or older, and a trailer passenger must be under 10 (Road Safety Commission WA: bicycle riders).
For shopping and cargo, stay within the max total load on the product page.
Helmet, lights and bell
Wear an approved helmet, securely fastened. Your bike needs an effective warning device, such as a bell or horn. At night, use a white front light, and a red rear light visible from at least 200 metres (Road Safety Commission WA: bicycle riders).
What's changing in WA
- No change to the e-bike rules has been announced. WA's rules for power and EN 15194 are in the Road Traffic (Administration) Regulations 2014.
We'll update this page if the rules change.
Electric trikes in WA: what you need to know
What this means for e-trike buyers in WA: electric trikes follow the same rules as e-bikes in WA, and riders need to be 16 or older to ride with the power on. The 500W version is for private property and off-road use only.
How the rules apply to electric trikes
WA's road rules include tricycles in the definition of a bicycle, along with power-assisted pedal cycles (Road Safety Commission WA: bicycle riders). So the e-bike rules above apply to electric trikes too.
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 WA, 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: Delivery to WA is $250.
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 WA and their families.
Do I need a licence for an e-bike in WA?
No licence or registration is needed for an e-bike that meets WA rules. You must be 16 or older to ride with the power on.
What power limit applies in WA?
Up to 250W if the e-bike meets EN 15194 (a "pedalec"). Otherwise, the limit is 200W.
What is a pedalec?
WA's term for a 250W e-bike that meets the European standard EN 15194. Other e-bikes in WA are limited to 200W.
Are electric trikes covered by the same rules?
Yes. WA's definition of a bicycle includes tricycles and power-assisted pedal cycles.
How much is delivery to WA?
Delivery to WA is $250.
Is a 500W electric trike legal in WA?
Not on roads or paths. The 500W version is for private property and off-road use only, where permitted.
Can adults ride on the footpath in WA?
Yes. Riders of all ages can use footpaths unless signs say otherwise. Ride in single file and give way to people walking.
Is there a minimum age?
Yes. You must be 16 or older to ride an e-bike with the power assistance on.
Can I carry a child?
Yes, in an attached child seat or a bike trailer, with a helmet. The rider must be 16 or older, and a trailer passenger must be under 10.
Do I need lights?
At night: a white front light, and a red rear light visible from at least 200 metres.
Official sources
- Road Safety Commission WA: bicycle riders, checked 16 October 2026
- Road Safety Commission WA: eBike rules (PDF), checked 16 October 2026
- Road Traffic (Administration) Regulations 2014 (WA), 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, Tasmania, the ACT, the NT, or e-bike rules across Australia.
Page updates
- 16 October 2026: page published, checked against official government guidance and legislation.