In Australia, an e-bike is only legal on public roads if it's a pedal-assisted bicycle. The motor must stop helping at 25 km/h, it can't run on throttle alone above 6 km/h, and it must stay within your state's power limit. Anything faster or more powerful is a motor vehicle, so it must be registered, insured and ridden by a licensed rider. If it isn't, it's illegal on public roads.

Legal e-bike vs illegal e-bike vs registered electric motorbike

*Every FONZ model except the NKD can be speed-limited to 50 km/h for car-licence riding in QLD, SA, WA and the NT. The NKD is motorcycle licence only. Rules change, so always confirm with your state or territory transport authority.

How do I know if my e-bike is legal?

Check these points. If your bike fails any of them, it's likely an illegal e-bike on public roads.

• It has working pedals, and you have to pedal to get motor assistance above 6 km/h.
• The motor cuts out at 25 km/h. Above that, it's all you.
• It's within your state's power limit. This is typically 250 W. NSW currently allows up to 500 W, dropping to 250 W from 1 March 2029.
• It's certified to the European e-bike standard EN 15194, ideally with a compliance label on the frame.
• It hasn't been modified or derestricted. In NSW, a bike that can exceed the limits is illegal even if an app, switch or setting restricts it.

What are the e-bike crackdowns about?

Governments across Australia are cracking down on high-powered, throttle-operated e-bikes that perform like motorbikes but aren't registered, insured or ridden by licensed riders. In NSW, police can now seize illegal e-bikes and have them destroyed, and other states are introducing tougher penalties and similar powers. The crackdowns target non-compliant bikes, not legal pedal-assist e-bikes, and not registered electric scooters and motorbikes.

Is a FONZ affected by the crackdown on illegal e-bikes?

No. Every FONZ is a fully road-legal electric scooter or motorbike. It's registered, plated and insured, and meets Australian Design Rules, so you can ride it with confidence anywhere in Australia.

I want more speed than an e-bike allows. What's the legal option?

A registered electric scooter or motorbike. You get the speed and power, with plates, insurance and a licence that put you on the right side of the law. FONZ is Australian-owned, multi-award-winning and exclusively electric since 2010, with thousands of FONZ EVs on Australian roads.

• Z Series: 300cc-equivalent performance, 0–50 km/h in 2.3 seconds, up to 180 km range (LR) and fast charging.
• Arthur 7: classic style, 90 km/h top speed, with portable Powerpacks you can charge inside.
• NKD electric motorbike: Australian-made, 100 km/h top speed.

Not sure which suits you? Compare our models.

Do I need a licence to ride a FONZ?

We recommend a motorcycle licence to unlock the full power of your FONZ. In QLD, SA, WA and the NT, every FONZ model except the NKD can also be speed-limited to 50 km/h and ridden on a car licence. Read more about road-legal electric scooters.

How much does it cost to register a FONZ?

It varies by state, but as a guide, budget around $200–$400 a year on average for registration and compulsory third party (CTP) insurance combined. Comprehensive insurance is optional and extra.

Are off-road electric dirt bikes illegal?

No. Off-road electric bikes are legal to own and ride on private property and in permitted off-road areas. They just can't be ridden on public roads, footpaths or parks unless they're registered for road use.

This page is general information only, current as at October 2026. E-bike rules are changing quickly, so check the latest with your state or territory transport authority, such as Transport for NSW.