On this page · 5 sections
Electric motorcycles and e-motorbikes can be bought and sold on EbikeMate. In Queensland, anything with a motor that can deliver more than 250 W continuous power is treated as an e-motorbike, not an e-bike — even if it has pedals. What matters most is whether it can be registered for the road.
Registered, registrable or off-road only
- Registered: it can be ridden on public roads now. A road-registered e-motorbike meets the Australian Design Rules and has lights, indicators, mirrors, a VIN, registration and CTP insurance.
- Registrable, not registered now: the seller says it meets the rules. It must be registered (an inspection may be needed first) before it goes on a public road.
- Off-road / private property only: it can’t be registered. Unregistered e-motorbikes can only be ridden on private property in Queensland, and since 1 July 2026 police can seize and destroy illegal devices.
The licence you need
- Standard motorbike licensing applies to e-motorbikes. In Queensland a car licence covers mopeds up to 50 km/h; an RE licence covers learner-approved motorbikes; an R licence covers any motorbike.
- RE riders can only ride learner-approved (LAMS) motorbikes. Check the model is on the learner-approved list before you buy.
If you’re buying
- Check the VIN matches the bike and the ad, then run a PPSR search on it: it shows finance owing, and whether it’s recorded as stolen or written off.
- Check the registration status online with Transport and Main Roads.
- Registered motorcycle? In Queensland the seller must give you a current safety certificate, and you both sign the registration transfer form (F3520). It must be transferred within 14 days.
- Ask where it can be ridden and get the answer in writing in your messages.
See electric motorcycles for sale →
If you’re selling
- Say its road status honestly — registered, registrable or off-road only. On EbikeMate you choose one, and the ad shows it.
- Add the VIN (on the compliance plate or the frame). Only the last four characters are shown; buyers use it for their checks.
- Registered in Queensland? Get a safety certificate from an approved inspection station before you offer it for sale, and complete your part of the transfer form.
- It can’t be posted. Its lithium battery is over 100 Wh, so buyers collect it or you arrange transport together.
Sell your electric motorcycle free →
Common questions
Can I sell an electric motorcycle on EbikeMate?
Yes. Choose Sell an electric motorcycle, add the VIN, and say whether it is registered, registrable or off-road only. It’s free for sellers.
What licence do I need for an electric motorcycle in Queensland?
Standard motorbike licensing applies: an RE licence for learner-approved motorbikes, an R licence for any motorbike. A car licence covers mopeds up to 50 km/h.
Where can I ride an unregistered e-motorbike in Queensland?
Only on private property. To ride it on public roads it must meet the Australian Design Rules and be registered, with CTP insurance.
What should I check before buying a used electric motorcycle?
Check the VIN matches, run a PPSR search for finance owing or a stolen or written-off record, check the registration, and for a registered Queensland motorcycle get the seller’s current safety certificate and sign the transfer form (F3520).
Sources
- StreetSmarts Queensland — E-motorbikes (modified 9 June 2026)
- StreetSmarts Queensland — Legal vs illegal e-devices
- Queensland Government — Motorcycle licence: learner approved motorcycles
- Queensland Government — Transferring registration (updated 4 September 2026)
- PPSR — Check a vehicle before you buy
- Transport and Main Roads — Check registration
- Australia Post — Lithium batteries quick reference guide
This guide explains things in general terms. It is not legal advice. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.