In Western Australia an e-bike must be ridden by someone aged 16 or older, and its motor limit depends on whether the bike is a “pedalec” that complies with European Standard EN 15194. A compliant pedalec may have a motor of up to 250 watts. Any other power-assisted bicycle is limited to 200 watts. A bike outside these rules can be seized by police.
This summary follows the Western Australia Road Safety Commission page on bicycle riders, with the South Australian Law Handbook as a comparison. Check the official page before buying or riding, because rules change.
The two classes at a glance
| Class | Western Australia motor limit | How to tell |
|---|---|---|
| Pedalec (EN 15194) | 250 W | Look for an EN 15194 compliance sticker |
| Any other power-assisted pedal cycle | 200 W | No EN 15194 compliance |
The Commission cites regulation 4 of the Road Traffic (Administration) Regulations 2014, which list 250 W for a pedalec and 200 W for any other kind of power-assisted pedal cycle.
What EN 15194 means for you
EN 15194 is a European standard for electrically power-assisted cycles. The Commission says that to check whether a bike is a pedalec, you should look for a sticker showing compliance with it. In practice, ask the seller where that marking is and photograph it before paying. If a bike has no such marking, treat it as the 200 W class at best.
The Commission also notes that on pedalecs the power assistance cuts out once 25 km/h is reached. That cut-out is part of how a pedalec differs from a faster, motorbike-style machine. If the motor keeps pushing well beyond that speed, the bike does not match the description.
Motor-assisted, not motor-only
The Commission describes these bikes as ones needing human power to move, not to be ridden on the motor alone like a motorcycle. A twist-and-go bike that can run without pedaling is therefore a poor fit for this definition. For how the two control styles work, see E-Bike Throttle vs Pedal Assist.
Bikes that are not allowed
The Commission says a bike that does not meet the definition of a power-assisted pedal cycle may not be ridden on WA roads or paths. That includes any bike that:
- is designed mainly to be driven by the motor rather than human power;
- has no functioning pedals; or
- has a motor or motors producing more than 250 watts.
If a bike has more than one motor, the limit applies to their combined output, so two small motors do not each get their own allowance.
Age and riding rules
The Commission states that riders must be 16 years or older to use an e-bike. It adds that regulation 228 prohibits people under 16 from riding e-bikes with the power assistance engaged. Parents should treat this as a firm line rather than a guideline.
Otherwise, the road rules that apply to regular bicycle riders also apply to e-bike riders. That includes the helmet rule: all bicycle riders must wear an approved helmet that is securely fastened, unless an exemption has been granted. For everyday road habits, see The Basic Rules of Cycling on Roads.
What happens if the bike does not comply
The Commission warns that not all electric bicycles sold in WA are legal to ride on WA roads and paths. Non-compliant e-bikes are considered unlicensed motor vehicles under the law. If your e-bike does not meet the rules, police may seize and dispose of it, and a $500 fine may also apply.
That makes the purchase check important. Before buying, confirm the motor rating and the EN 15194 marking, and keep the paperwork. Our guide to choosing a first e-bike covers the other questions to ask. Do not modify a motor, controller or speed cut-out to get more power; that is how a legal bike becomes an illegal one.
How South Australia words its two classes
South Australia also has two classes, but describes them differently. Its Law Handbook says there are two types of power-assisted pedal cycles considered to be bicycles, and that only these two are legally allowed on South Australian roads and public spaces.
- 200 W type: a maximum power output of 200 watts, and it cannot be propelled exclusively by the motor.
- 250 W type: a maximum output of 250 watts, where the power output progressively reduces, designed to cut off at 25 km/h or when the cyclist stops pedaling.
The two states are not identical. Western Australia ties its 250 W class to EN 15194 compliance, while the South Australian page describes the 250 W type by its power reduction and cut-off behavior and does not mention that standard. Do not assume a bike that suits one state’s wording meets the other’s; check the rules where you will ride.
Practical checklist
- Confirm the rider is 16 or older.
- Find the motor’s rated power in watts on the label or spec sheet.
- For a 250 W bike in Western Australia, find the EN 15194 sticker.
- Check that assistance stops at 25 km/h and that the bike needs pedaling to move.
- Wear an approved, fastened helmet every ride.
For wider context on how countries compare, see E-Bike Laws: US, UK and EU. If a seller cannot show the rating or the standard marking, walk away rather than risk seizure.
Sources
- Western Australia Road Safety Commission: Bicycle riders
- Legal Services Commission of South Australia: Law Handbook, power-assisted bicycles
Last reviewed: October 2026.