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Plenty of people buy powerful e-bikes, fast e-scooters and electric dirt bikes to ride on a farm, an acreage block or a motocross track. That’s legal. What isn’t legal is riding them on roads, footpaths, shared paths or other public places — and from 1 July 2026 it’s illegal to sell any e-mobility device to anyone under 16 in Queensland, whether you’re a shop or a private seller.
What counts as “off-road only”
- An e-bike with a motor over 250 W continuous power, motor assistance past 25 km/h, or a throttle that works above 6 km/h. In Queensland it is not a legal e-bike, and riding one in public can bring a fine of more than $600.
- An e-scooter that can go faster than 25 km/h. Riding it in public is an offence in Queensland ($621).
- An electric motorbike or dirt bike that doesn’t meet the Australian Design Rules. It can’t be registered, so it can only be ridden on private property. Some models can get conditional registration for very limited road use to reach an off-road track.
If you’re selling
- Say clearly that it’s for private property or approved off-road use only. The Queensland Government says customers must be clearly told this, and sellers must not mislead buyers about where a device can be used. On EbikeMate, choose “Off-road / private property only” when you list it — the ad and the Buy now checkout say so.
- Don’t describe it as road legal, “street legal with the limiter on”, or “easy to unlock”.
- Check the buyer is 16 or older. Private sellers must take reasonable steps; if a buyer looks under 16, ask for proof of age before you hand it over. Selling to a child under 16 can bring a fine of up to $2,417.
- Be accurate about the specs — motor power, top speed and battery. Misleading claims can breach the Australian Consumer Law.
- Shops must also ask for proof of age, train staff, and show a sign (in store and on online listings) that e-mobility devices can’t be sold to anyone under 16.
List an off-road e-bike or e-scooter free →
If you’re buying
- Know where you’ll ride it. Private land you own or have permission to use, or an approved off-road park or track. Not roads, footpaths, bike paths or parks.
- Ask the seller directly whether it’s legal on roads, footpaths, shared paths and bike paths — and get the answer in writing in your messages.
- Check the serial before you pay: high-power bikes are popular with thieves. Check it free.
- Buying for a teenager? It can’t be sold to anyone under 16, and parents can be fined for letting a child ride in public.
See off-road e-bikes for sale →
Other states
Every state sets a power and speed limit for e-bikes ridden in public, so a bike over your state’s limit is off-road only there too — check the e-bike rules. E-scooter rules differ more — check your state. The under-16 sale ban above is a Queensland law.
Common questions
Can I sell an e-bike that isn’t road legal in Queensland?
Yes, to someone 16 or older, as long as you clearly say it is for private property or approved off-road use only and don’t mislead the buyer about where it can be ridden.
Can I sell an e-bike to a 15-year-old in Queensland?
No. Since 1 July 2026 it is illegal to sell an e-bike, e-scooter or other e-mobility device to anyone under 16 in Queensland, including private sales. The fine is up to $2,417.
Where can I ride an electric dirt bike in Queensland?
Only on private property, unless it complies with the Australian Design Rules and is registered. Some models can be conditionally registered for limited road use to reach an off-road track.
Official sources
- Queensland Government — Rules for selling e-mobility devices (updated 10 September 2026)
- Queensland Government — Tips for buying e-mobility devices
- Queensland Government — E-bike rules
- StreetSmarts — E-motorbike rules
This guide explains things in general terms. It is not legal advice. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.