In Western Australia, a legal e-bike either has a motor of up to 200 watts, or is a "pedalec" with a motor of up to 250 watts that complies with the European standard EN 15194 and stops assisting at 25 km/h. It must be mainly pedal-powered, with working pedals. You must be 16 or older to ride one with the power on, you must wear an approved helmet, and you can ride on footpaths unless a sign says otherwise. E-bikes that are overpowered or built to be "driven" by the motor are treated as unlicensed motor vehicles and can be seized. Each rule below links to its official WA source.
The short version: up to 250 watts with an EN 15194 sticker (or up to 200 watts otherwise), assistance cuts out at 25 km/h, working pedals, riders 16+, an approved helmet, a bell and working brake, lights and reflectors at night, and footpaths are fine in single file with pedestrians given right of way. This is general information, not legal advice, and it's current at the time of writing.
Which e-bikes are legal in WA?
The Road Safety Commission's bicycle riders page recognises two kinds of legal e-bike:
- Pedalec: a motor of up to 250 watts, as long as the bike complies with EN 15194. The power assistance must cut out at 25 km/h. Look for a sticker showing EN 15194 compliance on the bike.
- Power-assisted pedal cycle: any other e-bike with a motor of no more than 200 watts.
If a bike has more than one motor, the limit applies to their combined output. Either way, the bike has to be moved by human power and isn't meant to be ridden on the motor alone. The Department of Transport's active transport FAQ also points out that e-bikes are not "eRideables" (like e-scooters), which have their own separate rules.
What makes an e-bike illegal in WA?
According to the Road Safety Commission, these aren't allowed on WA roads or paths:
- bikes mostly designed to be "driven" by the motor
- bikes without functioning pedals
- bikes with motors over 250 watts.
Non-compliant e-bikes are treated as unlicensed motor vehicles. Police may seize and dispose of them, and the rider can be fined 500 dollars. If you're shopping online or second-hand, check the motor rating and the EN 15194 sticker before you buy, and be wary of any bike sold as "unlockable" or "unrestricted".
A note on WA's review: WA held a major review of e-rideable laws, and the ABC reported in March 2026 that the state government had put changes to state law on hold in favour of pushing for national action. That means the rules below could change, so check the official pages before relying on them.
How old do you have to be to ride an e-bike in WA?
16. The Road Safety Commission says riders must be 16 years or older to use an e-bike, and that regulation 228 prohibits people under 16 from riding an e-bike with the power assistance engaged. In practice, younger riders can ride a bike, but not with the motor helping.
The same page says the rider must also be at least 16 to carry a child in a child seat or tow a child in a trailer, on any bike. The child seat must attach to the frame (not the handlebars), and a trailer passenger must be under 10.
WA's official pages treat compliant e-bikes as bicycles that follow the bicycle rules, and they don't list a licence or registration requirement for them. Insurance isn't compulsory either, though the Department of Transport notes it can be useful and that cycling groups often include cover with membership.
Can you ride an e-bike on the footpath in WA?
Yes. The Road Safety Commission's cyclists page says riders of all ages may use footpaths unless a sign says otherwise. When you do:
- ride in single file
- give pedestrians, including mobility scooter and wheelchair users, right of way at all times
- use your bell to let people know you're coming
- slow down at driveways so drivers can see you.
On shared paths, keep left unless overtaking, and when you reach a pedestrian crossing from a path, slow to 10 km/h or less and give way to pedestrians. You can ride on any road except freeways, pedestrian malls (unless signed otherwise) and roads with "no bicycles" signs, and if there's a marked bike lane you must use it.
That's similar to South Australia, which also allows footpath riding at any age (see our guide to e-bike rules in South Australia), and quite different from Queensland, which sets a 12 km/h footpath limit and now requires a driver licence (see our Queensland e-bike rules guide).
Helmets, lights, bells and brakes
- Helmet: riders and passengers must wear an approved helmet, securely fastened. The Road Safety Commission gives AS/NZS 2063:2020 as an example of an approved standard and says to replace a helmet that's worn, cracked, damaged or has been in a crash. See our e-bike helmet guide.
- Brake and bell: every bike needs at least one working brake and an effective warning device, such as a bell, fitted in a convenient position.
- Lights and reflectors: at night or in weather that reduces visibility, you need a white front light, a red rear light clearly visible for at least 200 metres, a red rear reflector, yellow reflectors on both wheels and yellow reflectors on each pedal. Our e-bike lights guide covers bright, rechargeable options.
Legal must-have
Knog Oi Classic
A slim bell from Australian brand Knog that wraps around the handlebar, so it squeezes in beside an e-bike's display and controls. It's an easy way to meet WA's warning-device rule and to give walkers a friendly heads-up on paths along the Swan River. It comes in small and large sizes to suit different bar diameters.
- Fits crowded e-bike handlebars
- Clear, pleasant ring
- Choose the right size for your bar
- Quieter than a big traditional bell in heavy traffic
Bright rear light
Magicshine SeeMee 200 V2
A rechargeable rear light with a motion sensor that brightens when you slow down, like a brake light, and a wide spread of light for side visibility. It's a good match for e-bikes that don't have a built-in tail light. You'll still need the rear and wheel reflectors WA requires, and a white front light.
- Automatic brake-light effect
- Wide side visibility
- Charges via micro-USB, not USB-C
- Battery isn't replaceable
What are the fines for e-bike riders in WA?
The Road Safety Commission's bicycle riders page lists these infringements at the time of writing:
- riding a non-compliant (overpowered) e-bike: 500 dollars, and the bike may be seized
- no effective brake or working warning device: 100 dollars
- incorrect lighting: 100 dollars
- riding less than 2 metres behind a vehicle, or passing a left-turning vehicle on its left: 100 dollars
- not wearing a helmet: 50 dollars
- riding more than two abreast, or more than 1.5 metres apart when riding two abreast: 50 dollars.
Can you take an e-bike on Transperth trains, buses and ferries?
Often, yes. Transperth's taking items on board page says powered bicycles that are mainly pedal-powered, have a small electric motor and no fuel, and are similar in size and weight to a normal bike follow the same rules as ordinary bikes:
- Trains: bikes are allowed on all trains outside peak times, space permitting. In peak periods (weekdays 7-9am towards the city and 4.30-6.30pm away from it), you can travel in the non-peak direction, but in the peak direction only a folded bike in a suitable carry bag is allowed. No bikes may enter Perth, Perth Underground or Elizabeth Quay stations at peak times.
- Buses: no bikes, manual or powered, unless folded in a carry bag no bigger than 120 x 68 x 40 cm.
- Ferries: bikes are allowed at all times, with four racks on board, and cyclists board after other passengers.
Keep your bike out of aisles and priority seating areas, and staff can ask you to wait for the next service if it's full.
FAQ
Do you need a licence to ride an e-bike in WA?
WA's official pages treat compliant e-bikes as bicycles and don't list a licence or registration requirement. Overpowered or non-compliant e-bikes are treated as unlicensed motor vehicles and can't be ridden on roads or paths.
Can a 14-year-old ride an e-bike in WA?
Not with the motor helping. The Road Safety Commission says e-bike riders must be 16 or older, and regulation 228 prohibits under-16s from riding with the power assistance engaged.
Is a 500W e-bike legal in WA?
No. Motors over 250 watts aren't allowed on WA roads or paths, and the limit applies to the combined output of all motors. Riding one can bring a 500-dollar fine and the bike can be seized.
Can you ride an e-bike on the footpath in Perth?
Yes, unless a sign says otherwise. Ride single file, give pedestrians right of way and use your bell when approaching.
Can I take my e-bike on the train in Perth?
Yes, outside peak times and in the non-peak direction during peak times, space permitting. In the peak direction only folded bikes in a carry bag are allowed, and no bikes can enter Perth, Perth Underground or Elizabeth Quay stations at peak times.