Plenty of working holiday makers buy an e-bike for a few months — to get to farm, hospitality or delivery work — then sell it before moving on. Here is how to do that legally and without getting scammed. General information only.
Before you buy: the rules
- No registration or insurance is needed for a legal e-bike in Queensland or the other states.
- Queensland licence rule: since 31 August 2026, riders must be 16+ and hold at least a learner licence. Equivalent overseas licences are recognised.
- Western Australia: riders must be 16 or older.
- Only buy a legal e-bike: pedal-assist, stops helping at 25 km/h, 250 W (500 W allowed in NSW for now). High-powered or throttle bikes can be seized. Check a bike in 1 minute.
Buying used without getting scammed
Scamwatch warns about these signs on buying and selling sites:
- An unbelievably low price.
- A seller who wants payment by money order, pre-loaded card, or to several different PayIDs or accounts.
- A payee name that doesn’t match the PayID or account.
- Pressure to pay before you see the bike. Instant bank payments are rarely recoverable.
Inspect big-ticket items before paying, and keep messages on the platform. If you are scammed, contact your bank immediately, stop contact and report it to Scamwatch.
- Ask for the frame serial and check it is not reported stolen.
- Test ride it and check the battery holds charge. Ask for the charger and keys.
- Get a receipt with the serial on it.
Protect it from theft
Queensland Police say most stolen bikes are never recovered, partly because the owner can’t be identified. The NSW Government suggests recording the serial number, taking a photo of yourself with the bike, and engraving your own ID if there is no serial. A free Bike Passport keeps the serial, photos and receipt in one place — handy when you are moving between towns.
Selling before you fly home
- List it a few weeks early — rushed sales go cheap.
- Show the history: serial, photos, service notes and battery health. How to sell your e-bike.
- Transfer the Bike Passport to the buyer so the record follows the bike. How transfers work.
Riding for work
Doing food delivery on your e-bike? Read the delivery riders guide for safety gear rules and minimum pay rates.
Common questions
Do backpackers need a licence to ride an e-bike in Australia?
Only in Queensland, where riders must be 16+ and hold at least a learner licence (equivalent overseas licences are recognised). Other states don’t need a licence for a legal e-bike; WA requires riders to be 16+.
How do I avoid buying a stolen e-bike?
Ask for the frame serial before you meet and check it free on EbikeMate. Walk away from sellers who won’t show the serial or want an unusual payment method.
Can I sell my e-bike before I leave Australia?
Yes. List it a few weeks early, show the serial, photos and battery health, and transfer the Bike Passport to the buyer.
Official sources
- Working Holiday Maker program — Home Affairs
- E-Bike rules in Queensland — Queensland Government
- Buying and selling scams — Scamwatch
- Keeping your bicycle secure — NSW Government
- Vehicle and bike security — Queensland Police Service
This guide explains things in general terms. It is not legal advice. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.