Reference
Australian e-ride rules & battery safety
What changed in 2026, what you need to declare when you list an e-bike or e-scooter, and how riding rules differ between states.
The short version
Since 1 February 2026, lithium-ion batteries in e-micromobility devices sold or rented in NSW must meet mandatory safety standards. This applies to private and second-hand sellers and online listings, not just shops. The device, its battery and its charger are each certified separately. Penalties reach $825,000 for supplying a non-compliant product.
Why these rules exist
Lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes and e-scooters have caused a growing number of house fires in Australia, most often traced to uncertified battery packs, damaged cells, or mismatched replacement chargers. Unlike most electrical faults, these fires start fast and are hard to put out.
In response, NSW introduced mandatory safety and information standards, and the ACCC has made e-bike safety its top product safety priority for 2026–27, with national standards in development and public consultation expected in late 2026.
Who this applies to
- Anyone who manufactures, sells or rents out e-micromobility products in NSW.
- Second-hand and private sellers, including online listings — this is the part most people are surprised by.
- Retailers and importers, who also carry information-standard duties.
The recognised standards
Check the compliance marking on the device, the battery pack, and the charger — or the original paperwork. If you can't find it, say so on your listing: “Not sure” is a legitimate and far safer answer than a guess.
E-bikes up to 500W
- AS 15194:2016
- EN 15194:2017+A1:2023
- UL 2849:2022
E-bikes over 500W
- UL 2849:2022
E-scooters, e-skateboards, self-balancing devices
- AS/NZS 60335.2.114:2023
- EN 17128:2020
- UL 2272:2024
- UL 2272:2016 (accepted until 1 Feb 2027)
Batteries
- EN 50604-1:2016+A1:2021
- IEC 62133-2:2017
- UL 2271:2023
- UL 2271:2018 (accepted until 1 Feb 2027)
Chargers
- AS/NZS 61558
- AS/NZS 60335.2.29
Where you can ride, by state
E-scooter rules differ sharply between states — the same scooter can be road-legal in one capital and not in the next. Check before you buy, especially interstate.
| State | Max power | Speed limit | Where you can ride |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | 500W | 25 km/h | Shared and bike paths, roads up to 50 km/h. Footpaths not permitted. |
| VIC | 200W | 20 km/h | Shared paths, bike lanes. Riders must be 18+. Footpaths not permitted. |
| QLD | 200W | 25 km/h (12 on footpaths) | Footpaths, shared and bike paths, local roads under 50 km/h. |
| WA | 200W | 25 km/h (10 on footpaths) | Footpaths, shared and bike paths, some local roads. |
| SA | 200W | 25 km/h | Footpaths and paths. Roads not permitted except to cross. |
| TAS | 200W | 25 km/h | Bike and shared paths, some local roads. |
| ACT | 200W | 25 km/h | Footpaths, shared and bike paths. |
| NT | No stated cap | 25 km/h | Footpaths and paths; roads vary by circumstance. |
Indicative summary only. Rules change and local councils add their own restrictions — always confirm with your state transport authority below.
Battery health for used EVs
State of Health (SoH) is how much usable capacity a battery has left compared with when it was new — a well-kept 2019 EV might read around 90%. It is the number used-EV buyers ask about most, and unlike the odometer it isn't on the registration papers. Independent tests are available in Australia from RedBook Inspect, mycar and AVILOO-certified testers.
Official sources
- NSW Government — New standards for lithium-ion batteriesThe mandatory standards in full, with compliance dates.
- ACCC Product Safety — E-micromobility devicesNational standards in development, and supplier obligations.
- Transport for NSWNSW road rules for e-scooters and e-bikes.
- Victorian Government — E-scootersVictorian rules, including the 20 km/h limit and 18+ age.
- Queensland Government — Wheeled devicesQueensland footpath and speed rules.
- WA Department of TransportWestern Australian rideable rules.
- Government of South Australia — Driving and transportSouth Australian e-scooter rules.
- Transport TasmaniaTasmanian rules.
- ACT Government — Transport and motoringACT personal mobility device rules.
- NT Government — DrivingNorthern Territory rules.
Please note: this is general information to help you fill in a listing accurately. It is not legal advice, and not a substitute for the official sources above. Rules change — check with the relevant authority before you buy, sell or ride.
Last reviewed September 2026.