NO laws limiting electric bike speed?
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January 2, 2008The PWF article Electric bike ‘limits’…can we change the law? has attracted quite a few comments. One reader has been doing some research into the issue – read on for details. If you can add to the discussion, please do!
Peter says:
“I have recently been looking at the idea of travelling via ‘electric bike’ in city traffic. I have been to the local RTA of Victoria, to obtain more details. I have NOT seen any laws limiting the bike to 200 watts or maximum speed of 25 kmh. All one needs is a Car or Motor Cycle license.
Queensland is the only state in which a vehicle license is not required. I was under the impression, that even the basic electric Mopeds still require the rider to be licensed, in other states.
The newly released ‘Vectrix’ can travel at 100kmh, but costs $17,000.
EMC Australia will shortly be distributing some new models in the E-MAX range ; 140L, 110S, 90S. ( $3000 – $4000 ) The Engines are 1500w – 4000W, and can travel at 55 – 75 kmh. I would prefer to keep up with city traffic speeds, instead of being run over for being too slow.”
3 Comments
Below is an extract from Western Australia’s Department for Planning and Infrastructure: http://www.dpi.wa.gov.au/cycling_factsheet13_powerassisted.pdf
In summary it states 3 things:
1. Rider must be over 16yo
2. Motor must be under 200w or registered as a vehicle
3. Power assist cannot be used on a foot path or multiuse path.
”
Most of the power-assisted bicycles sold in Western Australia are covered by the same road rules as a
standard bike and do not require any form of driver’s licence, although if the motor is engaged, the rider must
be at least 16 years of age.
To be classified as a bicycle, the motor must not exceed 200 watts (about a quarter of one horsepower) in total
power output. If a more powerful unit than that is fitted, the bike has to be registered as a motor vehicle.
When the motor is off, a power-assisted bike can be used just like an ordinary bike, but it cannot be ridden on
a shared path with the motor turned on.”
Peter,
You need to be clear about the type of vehicle that these are. Most of the discussion on this site concerns “Power Assisted Bicycles” – these have a 200watt power limit. There are also “mopeds”, that are light motorcycles and are limited to a maximum of 50kph. Mopeds must be registered and different states have different licensing conditions on these. Then there are full-on motor cycles, which once again need to be registered and riders need to be licensed.
The bikes that you mention seem to be full on motor cycles, ie need to be registered, need to be licensed, no speed or power limits.
See my June 20th 1:06pm post in the “Legislation to increase electric bike power?” topic of this web-site for links to web pages that define the types of vehicle.
In S.A. there is a “Recomendation” that the power assistance “should” taper off @ 25km/h. There’s the issue. It’s lot law. It’s a word in a fact sheet about PABs issued by the S.A. dept. of motor vehicles. It doesn’t say “must”. It says “should”. Besides, it’s only a fact sheet issued to clarify to the public what is & is not considered to be a PAB. Again, it’s NOT A LAW.
The law says that PABs are restricted by all laws pertaining to bicycles. In other words, whatever the speed limit is on the road is as fast as you’re allowed to go.