In Australia, e-bikes are legally restricted to a maximum speed of 25km/h, yet some models can be modified to exceed this limit substantially. Reports indicate that with a simple email to manufacturers, users can unlock their e-bikes’ throttles, enabling speeds of up to 60km/h. While these faster models are permissible on private property, using them on public roads or footpaths is illegal.
Experts warn that riding an unlocked e-bike in public transforms it into an unregistered, motorised vehicle, for which the rider assumes full liability. Peter Bourke from Bicycle Industries Australia cautions that riders are responsible for any legal consequences if accidents occur while using these vehicles on public land.
The legislative framework surrounding e-bikes in Australia varies widely across states and territories, lacking clear guidelines on minimum age requirements and operational regulations. Most jurisdictions agree on the 25km/h limit for public use, but manufacturers like DiroDi allow minors to unlock their throttles with mere written consent. DiroDi provides instructions, including video tutorials, on their website, revealing how users can unlock these features.
DiroDi acknowledges that once unlocked, the bikes are unsuitable for road use and urges customers to restrict their riding to private areas. Although there are no current age restrictions on unlocking, from June 2025, users will need to be at least 16 years old or have a guardian’s consent for off-road use. They stress the importance of educating consumers about responsible riding, despite the lack of stringent regulations.
The absence of laws preventing manufacturers from facilitating throttle unlocking raises concerns among safety advocates. Bourke argues that companies must take greater accountability for ensuring their products aren’t used unlawfully in public. Without robust verification methods, law enforcement faces challenges in policing the use of unlocked e-bikes, as many models can switch back to the legal 25km/h setting.
Bourke calls for the implementation of anti-tampering standards akin to those in Europe, which would bar manufacturers from enabling consumer modifications on e-bikes. Such regulations would shift the onus onto manufacturers to manage compliance and safety, ensuring the bikes are only configured for private-use scenarios.
As it stands, riders over 16 face severe legal repercussions for accidents involving unlocked e-bikes, risking financial liability potentially extending to their families if they are underage. With concerns about safety and legality mounting, there’s a pressing need for clearer regulations to protect both riders and the general public from the implications of high-speed e-bike use.