E-bike rules in the ACT
Rules checked
In the ACT a legal e-bike is a 250 W pedal-assist bike that needs pedalling above 6 km/h and stops at 25 km/h, or a 200 W bike that needs pedalling at every speed. Petrol-powered bikes and minibikes are banned from roads and paths.
The ACT limits
E-bike classes in Australian Capital Territory
| Class | Motor power | Assistance stops | Without pedalling | EN 15194 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pedal-assist (EPAC) | 250 W continuous | 25 km/h | Up to 6 km/h | Not required by the page |
| Power-assisted pedal cycle | 200 W maximum output | None stated | Must pedal at all times | Not required |
250 W class, in ACT’s words: “Pedalling is required for speeds over 6 km/h. While pedalling – 25 km/h. No pedalling – 6 km/h. Up to 250 watts. Over 250 watts means the bike is NOT a EPAC.” (Transport Canberra, checked )
200 W class: “Pedalling is required to move at any speed. Up to 200 watts. Over 200 watts means the bike is NOT a PAPC.” (Transport Canberra, checked )
Check a bike against the ACT rules
Your bike
Legal in 6 of 8 states today
2 of those with an end date already set or announced.
Fits ACT's 250 W pedal-assist class: 250 W rated, assistance stops by 25 km/h, no throttle above 6 km/h. ACT's page doesn't require EN 15194 certification, though it's the easiest proof.
ACT e-bike rules in full · source: Transport Canberra
Cheapest models we’ve checked that are legal in ACT with no end date
Ordered by price only. Need range, hills or cargo too? Use the model matcher.
General information from each government’s own page, checked 3 October 2026. Police and courts decide individual cases; a verdict here isn’t legal advice. How the checker decides.
Two classes, both pedal-first
Transport Canberra lays the two classes side by side. The electrically power-assisted cycle may run on the motor alone up to 6 km/h, needs pedalling above that, and loses assistance at 25 km/h; its motor can be up to 250 W. The power-assisted pedal cycle is capped at 200 W and must be pedalled at any speed, so a throttle that moves it is out. It must also weigh under 50 kg with its battery and have an adjustable seat.
The ACT page doesn't make EN 15194 part of the definition, so the checker passes a non-certified 250 W bike that meets the limits in the ACT.
Shared bikes and petrol bikes
Canberra's shared Lime e-bikes are legal e-bikes with the same rights on roads as pedal bikes. Petrol-powered bikes and minibikes are not allowed on any road, footpath, shared path or cycle path in the ACT, and a bike over the power limits may be treated as a motor vehicle, which if it can't be registered means private property only.
If a bike doesn’t comply
Bikes over the limits may be treated as motor vehicles needing registration and a licence; if they can't be registered, private property only. (Transport Canberra, checked )
20 of the 22 bikes we’ve checked are legal in ACT today
Bikes we've checked, judged against the ACT rules
| Bike | ACT verdict | Rated power | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCM Paris | Legal | 250 W | $1,499 |
| NCM T3S | Legal | 250 W | $1,799 |
| NCM Aspen | Legal | 250 W | $1,899 |
| NCM Milano Plus | Legal | 250 W | $2,199 |
| Aventon Pace.4 | Legal | 250 W | $2,199 |
| VelectriX Urban ST | Legal | 250 W | $2,249 |
| Ampd Bros ACE-X | Legal | 250 W | $2,490 |
| Trek FX+ 2 | Legal | 250 W | $2,499.99 |
| Avanti Discovery-E Low | Legal | 250 W | $2,499.99 |
| Reid Quest 2 Mid-Drive | Legal | 250 W | $2,499.99 |
| VelectriX SUV | Legal | 250 W | $2,599 |
| Fatfish Biggie (EN 15194) | Legal | 250 W | $2,799 |
| Aventon Level.3 | Legal | 250 W | $2,899 |
| Lekker Amsterdam Urban 8sp | Legal | 250 W | $2,998 |
| Cube Touring Hybrid ONE 600 | Legal | 250 W | $2,999 |
| Lekker Amsterdam GTS | Legal | 250 W | $4,298 |
| Giant Explore E+ 3 | Legal | 250 W | $5,499 |
| Specialized Turbo Como 4.0 | Legal | 250 W | $5,900 |
| Benno Boost EVO 5 | Legal | 250 W | $6,495 |
| Tern GSD S10 | Legal | 250 W | $10,995 |
| Smartmotion Renegade | Check | 250 W | $2,999 |
| NCM Paris+ | Not legal | 250 W | $1,799 |
ACT e-bike questions
What e-bikes are legal in the ACT?
A 250 W pedal-assist bike that needs pedalling above 6 km/h and stops at 25 km/h, or a 200 W bike that you pedal at all speeds and that weighs under 50 kg with an adjustable seat.
Are petrol bicycles legal in Canberra?
No. Petrol-powered bikes and minibikes are banned from ACT roads, footpaths, shared paths and cycle paths.