e-bikes

RACV is there for everyone, whether you are a driver, passenger, public transport user, cyclist, rider or pedestrian. As a cyclist the technology is improving all the time and the biggest change in recent years has been the adoption of e-bikes. RACV researches and develops policy positions on this important travel mode which can be viewed here.


Below outlines the most commonly asked questions if you are interested in learning more.

An e-bike is a bicycle with an electric motor that gives assistance to the rider. It has the same basic features as a regular push bike, with the added bonus of some electric assistance when the rider chooses to use it.

How far can an e-bike battery get me?

Modern e-bikes are powered by a lithium long-life battery. Batteries can be charged from a regular household power outlet. The distance you can travel on a fully charged battery depends on the size and weight of the bike, level of assistance and riding conditions, resulting anywhere between 30km to 100km on a single charge.

How fast can they travel?

Pedal assistance e-bikes have a motor that only works while you pedal. The motor assists up to a maximum of 25kph (you can travel at speeds faster than this, but only using human pedal power). By limiting the speed to 25km/h. this enables the bikes to be ridden on shared paths and does not require registration or licence.

By adjusting the display panel, the level of assistance can be altered to suit the riding conditions. For example, you may choose to have maximum assistance when riding up a hill and then turn off assistance altogether when riding on a flat road. To cut the power, you just stop pedalling or start braking.

What are the laws on e-bikes?

Riders of e-bikes must follow Victoria's road rules for bicycle riders

What kind of e-bikes are there?

e-bikes come in many of the same variations you find in a traditional bicycle, such as Mountain e-bikes, Commuter e-bikes and Cargo e-bikes.

  • Pedal assistance or ‘pedelec’

Pedal assistance e-bikes have a motor that only works while you pedal. The motor assists up to a maximum of 25kph (you can travel at speeds faster than this, but only using human pedal power).

By adjusting the display panel, the level of assistance can be altered to suit the riding conditions. For example, you may choose to have maximum assistance when riding up a hill and then turn off assistance altogether when riding on a flat road. To cut the power, you just stop pedalling or start braking.

  • Throttle Bikes

Throttle e-bikes allow you to use the electric motor to travel without the need to pedal. The throttle sits on the handlebars and gives a maximum power of 200 watts.

RACV believes e-bikes are not only a valuable mobility option for many commuters but have the potential to address many of the barriers to riding a traditional bike, including the length of the trip, not feeling fit enough to ride, and other forms of transport being quicker than cycling.

What are the pros and cons of riding an e-bike?

e-bikes are not only a valuable mobility option for many commuters but have the potential to address many of the barriers to riding a traditional bike, including the length of the trip, not feeling fit enough to ride, and other forms of transport being quicker than cycling.

When compared to a regular bike, an e-bike:
  • makes it easier to take off from a stopped position.
  • allows you to travel longer distances.
  • helps you get up hills; and
  • can get you to your destination with less sweat than a conventional bike, so you probably won’t need to shower or change clothes when you arrive.
When compared to a car, an e-bike:
  • gets you out of congestion and sitting in heavy traffic, while contribution zero emissions
  • means you won’t need to pay for parking; and
  • helps you get some exercise in while you travel.

e-bikes can also alleviate some of the drawbacks of other types of transport, such as cars and public transport. Whether you drive your car to work and sit in traffic most of the way or catch a crowded train a short distance because you don’t feel fit enough to ride your bike, it’s worth considering whether an e-bike, or pedal-assisted electric bicycle, could make your journey more enjoyable.