Electric Bike Road Rules in Brisbane
Utilising an electric bike is a convenient way to commute throughout busy cities and surrounding areas. Whether you ride to your workplace, deliver food, or simply prefer the electric bike lifestyle instead of owning a car, ebikes are a more accessible solution for people of all ages and all fitness levels. However, before purchasing or hiring an ebike it’s imperative to know what the electric bike road rules are before strapping up your helmet.
We’ve listed the most important electric bike road rules, allowing you to school yourself up before making that purchasing or hiring that electric bike!
Thinking of purchasing an electric device? Check out our dedicated ebike and e scooter shop today at Shop 4/226 Leichhardt St, Spring Hill QLD, 4000!
Your Must-Know Guide
When it comes to electric bikes, there are essential road rules that need to be followed to keep fellow pedestrians, and yourself, safe. One thing to note when riding an electric bike is that you must be wearing an approved bicycle helmet that is securely fitted, unless you have received an exemption for medical or religious purposes.
Do Not Do the Following:
- Do not carry any passengers on your electric bike
- Do not use a mobile device while riding
- Do not drink and ride your electric bike
- Do not ride on the wrong side of the road or pathway
Where Can I Ride?
Compared to other cities and states, Brisbane has its own set of road rules for riding an electric bike – these are extremely important for keeping fellow pedestrians and yourself safe.
In Brisbane you are only permitted to ride an electric bike in the following areas:
Local Streets
Local streets have a speed of 50km an hour or less with no dividing line or median strip. Here, you are allowed to ride your electric bike while consciously checking for traffic and pedestrians at all times, making sure to keep left.
Main Roads
A bicycle with an electric motor that has the capacity to generate no more than 200 watts of power, can be ridden on roads and paths, except for areas where bicycles are prohibited.
A pedelec bike with an electric motor that has the capacity to generate up to 250 watts of power but has a motor that cuts out at 25km per hour, are also allowed to ride on roads and pathways – however, the pedals must be used to keep the motor operating.
Pathways
When riding your electric bike on a pathway there are additional rules to keep in mind, such as:
- Keep left and give way to pedestrians
- Travel at a speed that allows you to stop safely to avoid collisions with pedestrians
- Travel at a safe distance from a pedestrian so collisions are avoided
- Keep left of any oncoming bicycles and other personal mobility devices
- Only use the bicycle side of a shared pathway
If you get caught not complying with these rules you will be fined.
Things to Consider
When it comes to electric bikes of any sort, it’s encouraged that thorough research is conducted on the road and safety rules before making a purchase or hiring. Road rules are changing and updating regularly, and with electric bikes and electric scooters quickly becoming more common in built up areas, staying in-the-know is beneficial not only for yourself but for others.
When it comes to riding a power-assisted bicycle, you need to keep in mind that you are required to follow the same road rules as when riding a normal bicycle. This also includes wearing an approved bicycle helmet as well as displaying lights and reflectors if you’re riding at night, or in a situation of hazardous weather.
For more information on electric bike road rules in Brisbane, take a look at the Cycling Brisbane website or the Australian Government Transport Department.
Choose Easy Ride
For more information on electric bike road rules, or to purchase an electric bike or electric scooters Brisbane wide, contact our team today and we’ll assist you! For general queries regarding our products, call us on +61 434 413 679 or through our online form.
