FAQs

Road Rules regarding Electric Bicycles

VICROADS

A bicycle is a vehicle that has two or more wheels, built to be propelled by human power through a belt, chain or gears (whether or not it has an auxiliary motor, provided the motor’s maximum power output does not exceed 200 watts).  Pedicabs, penny farthings and tricycles are considered to be bicycles.  However, wheelchairs, wheeled toys and scooters are not.
It is not a bicycle if:
the motor is the primary source of power (this includes electric scooters with pedals that are not built to be propelled primarily by human power), or
the motor’s power output exceeds 200 watts (whether or not the motor is operating).
These are considered to be motor vehicles   and can only be used on the road if they meet requirements for registration, are registered and the rider has a motorcycle licence or learner permit. Motorcycles cannot be ridden on footpaths or bicycle paths. Motorcycle riders must wear an approved motorcycle helmet.

NSW RTA

Clarification – Registration of motorised devices
09-05-2008

The RTA is reminding the public that all devices with a motor must be registered for use on a road or road related area unless they are specifically exempt.

An RTA spokesperson said that registration is only granted to vehicles that meet National design and safety standards.

“The RTA will only register motorised bikes and devices such as “e-bikes”, if they meet the design and safety standards for a small motorbike or moped,” the spokesperson said.

“These vehicles are sold with a compliance plate which certifies they meet the required standards.  Motorised bikes and devices that do not have this plate are not legal for road use, and are not able to be registered.

“These laws have remained unchanged for many years and are in line with the legislation in other states.

“Motorised wheelchairs and other disabled person’s conveyances are exempt from registration and operators of these vehicles must comply with the same road rules as pedestrians.

“Bicycles with an auxiliary motor of 200 watts or lower are also exempt from registration.

“These vehicles must have been designed as a bicycle – that is, to be propelled by human power – with the motor attached as a supplementary aid only.

“Some powered devices on the market sold as motor-assisted bicycles actually fall outside of the strict definition.

“People need to be aware of the laws as anyone caught riding a vehicle which is not exempt and is not registered, may be fined and have their vehicle confiscated by police.

More information on prohibited vehicles.

Gov of SA

What is a power-assisted bicycle?

A power assisted bicycle is a pedal cycle with a motor attached to help the rider.  The attached motor (or motors) may provide up to 200 Watts of assistance.

Road rules for power-assisted bicycles

Riders do not require a driver’s licence, motor vehicle registration or compulsory third party insurance.

Riders are bound by the same rules as other bicycles, including the need for the rider to wear a helmet and the power-assisted bicycle to have:

effective brakes
a bell, or other audible warning device
a rear-facing red reflector at night
a white light to the front and a red light to the rear at night (both may flash) clearly visible from at least 200 metres.
Differences between a power-assisted bicycle and a motorcycle

At first glance some motorbikes with pedals look similar to power-assisted bicycles. The main differences are speed, pedal crank spacing, weight, seat position, seat shape and gearing.

A good rule of thumb is that if the main means of propulsion is by pedal power and the motor produces 200 Watts or less then it is a power-assisted pedal cycle.

If the main source of power is the motor then it is a motor vehicle and operating it requires a driver’s licence, registration and compulsory third party insurance.

Queensland Transport

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Motorised bicycles

A motorised bicycle is a bicycle with an electric motor of 200 watts output or less.
You do not require a licence to ride a motorised bicycle and they are exempt from
registration and CTP insurance.
Motorised bicycles fall under the same road rules as bicycles and have the same
rights and responsibilities as a bicycle.

Why do people choose to ride an electric bike? Because they:

1. Enjoy the feeling of riding a bicycle - except for hills, starts, and headwinds;
2. Prefer their local errands to be easy, hassle free and low cost
3. Like to save money  and protect the environment by significantly reducing thier carbon footprint
4. Look for extra chances to exercise - even if it's just a little. In fact riding an e-bike can increase your fitness. You want to use it. You can ride to work without lycra. You still have to exercise
5. Still need convenient, point-to-point transportation using safe traffic free bike lanes we have all paid for but rarely use!
6. Want their own traffic "lane", convenient parking spots and shortcuts. No traffic congestion
7. Considered a gas-powered moped or small motorcycle, but dislike the noise, smell, saftey issues, starting problems and special laws
8. Riding an electric bike doesn't mean you're lazy. You are a smart educated  consumer saving carbon emmissions and having fun doing it
9. According to an Australian study conducted by the Institute of Transport Studies at Monash University, the assistance provided by riding an electric bicycle helps to maintain the rider’s heart rate in the optimal aerobic zone. See our article on E-Bikes today for more detail.
10. Because you can be assisted when going uphill, you do not need to spend excessive energy, you feel less tired and your body continues to operate in your optimum aerobic zone.
11. Enjoy your ride and use the assist when you feel like it. They are not motor bike they require input from rider and motor to opperate effectively.
12. With a conventional bicycle, many people exceed their aerobic zone when riding uphill then feel completely drained and are unable to enjoy the ride.
13. Can ride work in a suite or work clothes.

Regenerative Braking

Regenerative braking refers to the motor feeding current and volts back into the battery to recharge when heading downhill or slowing to a stop. In bicycle application we don't recommend this feature. Why? Typically bicycles have low levels of weight and inertia and do not allow a reasonable benefit for re charging. We prefer to use geared free wheeling motors with high quality NSK Japanese Barings that allow the rider to pedal with little or no resistance in the motor. This makes pedaling easy with or without the motor. We have ridden non gear motors and believe us, it a tough task to pedal an e-bike without the battery and using a non geared motor. Always choose geared BRUSHLESS motors as this will outlast and outperform any brushed alternative.

Do you require a License or Registration to ride these Electric Bicycles?

As the power output rating of the motors is 200 Watts or less - they are below the maximum allowable across Australia and thus no license or registration is required - you must however wear a good quality Australian Standards Approved, properly fitted bicycle helmet. Under current Australian Road Laws these electric bicycles and tricycles are considered to be 'normal' pedal bicycles.
BEWARE: Always check with you local regulatory authorities.

Warning!

Beware: There are a number of non compliant electrics/scooter bikes entering the market place here in Australia. These are usually large heavy 48 volt Motor Scooter styled electric bicycles. WE absolutely recommend you DO NOT buy one of these products.

The clip off pedals and cranks quickly turn them into a scooter not a bicycle. In addition they are far too heavy. Some is weighing in excess of 60kg. The claims made by the distributors are misleading and false in some cases. If the bike is 60 kg how can it be 200 watts and be capable of 40+ km'h when our Sherpa folding bike is only 20 kg and is capable of only 27 km/h. Only pedal assisted 200 watt bikes are capable of greater than 30+ km/h at 200 watts as they are required to be pedaled with the motor to achieve higher speeds. You cannot achieve this on a 60 kg singe speed scooter. Low gear ratio and shear weight prevents this. We are contantly looking for new innovative technologies to improve the performance and economy of our bikes and kits. We have conclusively found that large heavy 48 volt motor scooter styler e-bikes are simply not suitable for Australian conditions or regulations. All our powerped e-bike have fixed non removable pedals and are required to be pedaled with the motor to opperate efectively. The fundamentals of a bicycle remain a bicycle. Power assistance is the key. The vast majority of our customers are finding the e-bike a great way to get active save money and reduce the use of poluting conventional transport. Mobility, economy, efficiency saftey, ease of use.

Electrical saftey

In addition we encourage consumers to ask for the Electrical Safety approvals for any 36 volt or 48 volt chargers. We have approved chargers for our products from 12 - 36 volts. We do not know of any commercially available approved 48 volt charger for e-bikes at this point. If its 48 volts then ask the question of the seller.

Can the bicycle and tricycles be ridden as "normally"?

Yes. The choice is yours - battery power and pedal power provides the best results and is they only way we recommend the use of the electric bicycle.

When should I re-charge batteries?

We recommend you re-charge battery after each usage or at least when 'battery status indicator' shows 'half flat' or less. This ensures you get the most out of your Powerped long term. Regular charging using a high quality switch mode battery charger will prolong the life of you batteries.

How long does it take to re-charge the batteries?

Depends on state of exhaustion of battery. If battery totally flat - re-charge time about 5-6 hrs. If half flat - about 2-3 hrs. Best to re-charge overnight.

How far will the bicycle travel between re-charges?

There are many variables that affect distance covered between re-charges such as weight of rider, type of terrain, number of stop / starts, riding speed, amount of pedal assistance etc. Laboratory tests have indicated a maximum range of 65km at 200 watts 36volts 12 aH. Our experience shows that most riders get an average of 20 – 50 km’s. Correct tire inflation and pedal assistance will increase the distance you get from each charge. Electric Bicycles are required to be pedal assited to ensure they achieve thier specified ratings including rated power outputs. Remember cheap high power output motors ofetn sold over the web are not only heavy and innefficient but use so much power they are not usful for cummuting applications.

How much does a battery cost?

Standard SLA batteries are around $200-$250. We offer a replacement service for all brands and types of electric Bicycles. Lithium Batteries are around $700 to replace but last 3 time as long as SLA.

How many re-charges will the batteries sustain?

Laboratory tests have indicated that batteries will take Up To 400 re-charges from flat - 800 from half flat - 1600 from quarter flat. Battery quality and life WILL vary.

Are spare parts readily available?

Yes. A full range of spare parts and accessories are available for the bicycles. In fact we have a wide range of upgrade options for your Power Ped as well. Fast chargers, High Amp Hour batteries, Motors, Controller and many more options to enhance your experience on a Power Ped E-Bike.

What maintenance is involved?

Basically there is no ongoing maintenance of electrical components other than re-charging batteries. Many of our bicycles use the latest generation Brushless Hub Drive motors where there are no contact point inside the motor that can cause wear and tare. It is advised to keep bicycle clean at all times. Under normal use, motor doesn't need readjustment and maintenance except that its outer surface needs cleaning at regular intervals.

What conditions impact the performance of the e-bikes?

The performance of the Electric bikes depends on many factors. The most important factors are listed here with the (generally speaking) most important at the top:

1. Terrain (number and incline of hills)
2. E-bike speed (range at 15 kph is 8 times as far as at 20 kph)
3. Wind conditions (going 15 kph against a 15 kph headwind feels like 20 to the bike)
4. Pulling a trailer (which is like pulling another bicycle)
5. Correct tire inflation (under-inflated tires slow you down)
6. Battery size (measured in volt-amp-hours)
7. Weight of rider and baggage
8. Motor/controller/drive system efficiency. (Brushless motors are most efficient)