Western Australia is the only state where you must be 16 to use an e-bike’s motor. A plain-English summary — general information, not legal advice.
The short version
- Age: 16 or older. Under-16s can’t ride with the power assistance switched on.
- Power: an EN 15194 pedelec up to 250 W, or another power-assisted pedal cycle up to 200 W.
- Assistance stops at 25 km/h. The bike must need your pedalling — not designed to run on the motor alone.
- Helmet: required ($50 fine).
- Footpaths: allowed unless signed otherwise. Give way to pedestrians.
- Illegal e-bikes: $500 fine, and police may seize and dispose of the bike.
What counts as a legal e-bike in WA
- Pedalec compliant with EN 15194 — electric motor up to 250 W, assistance cutting out at 25 km/h (look for the EN 15194 sticker).
- Other power-assisted pedal cycles — motor(s) up to 200 W combined.
Anything above these limits is an unlicensed motor vehicle and is illegal on public roads and paths.
Helmets, footpaths and crossings
- Helmet: an approved, securely fastened helmet is required. New helmet standards took effect on 3 July 2024, and some older standards were phased out on 22 September 2025.
- Footpaths: cyclists of all ages may ride on footpaths unless signed otherwise (e-bike riders still must be 16+). Ride single file and give way to pedestrians.
- Pedestrian crossings: you can ride across from a connected path, at no more than 10 km/h, giving way to pedestrians.
Transperth trains, buses and ferries
- Buses: no bikes unless folded and bagged (up to 120 × 68 × 40 cm).
- Trains: off-peak, space permitting. In peaks (weekdays 7–9 am towards the city, 4:30–6:30 pm away from it) only in the non-peak direction, or folded and bagged. No bikes into Perth, Perth Underground or Elizabeth Quay stations at peak times.
- Ferries: bikes allowed at all times (four racks; once full, off-peak only).
- Petrol-powered devices are banned.
Fines and seizure
Riding a non-compliant e-bike is riding an unlicensed motor vehicle: a $500 fine, and the bike may be seized and disposed of by police. WA Police’s Operation Moorhead in early 2026 seized and crushed dangerously used e-rideables. Other cyclist fines include $50 for no helmet and $100 for lighting, brake or warning device faults.
Theft in WA
More than 9,000 bikes are reported stolen in WA each year, according to the Town of Mosman Park. Record your frame serial and photos in a free Bike Passport, and you can also register with Bikelinc, which WA Police use to search serials.
What’s changing
In March 2026 the WA Government supported 32 of 33 recommendations of the Ride Safe inquiry, mostly about e-rideables, and said WA is leading work on a national e-mobility framework.
Where to ride
Try the Swan River loop, the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail, or sections of the Munda Biddi. See all WA trails and WA e-bike shops.
Is my e-bike legal? Free 1-minute check →
Common questions
How old do you have to be to ride an e-bike in WA?
16. Riders under 16 can’t use an e-bike with the power assistance engaged.
What is the fine for an illegal e-bike in WA?
$500, and police may seize and dispose of the bike, because a non-compliant e-bike is treated as an unlicensed motor vehicle.
Can I take an e-bike on a Transperth bus?
Only if it is folded and bagged. Trains take bikes off-peak, or in the non-peak direction during peaks; ferries take bikes at all times.
Official sources
- Bicycle riders — WA Road Safety Commission (updated 6 Feb 2026)
- Rules for riding your eBike safely and legally — Road Safety Commission (Dec 2025)
- eRideable definitions and buying guide — WA Government (updated 11 Jun 2026)
- WA leads national push for stronger eRideable laws — WA Government (10 Mar 2026)
- Taking items on board — Transperth
- Register your bike on Bikelinc — Town of Mosman Park
This guide explains things in general terms. It is not legal advice. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.