Whether you’re new to cycling or upgrading from a traditional bike, this guide to eBikes will walk you through the essentials of eBikes: what they are, how they work, the types available, and some of the companies selling them in Australia. Plus, we’ll touch on why eBikes are a great addition for RV travellers.
Electric bikes, or eBikes, have taken the world by storm. With the ability to make pedalling a whole lot easier, they allow you to tackle longer distances, conquer steep inclines, keep up with your family, and, in some cases, continue riding when, for health reasons, you would not be able to on a traditional bike. They offer a unique blend of mobility, convenience and adventure. But, what exactly is an eBike?
What are eBikes?
An eBike is a bicycle equipped with an electric motor that assists with propulsion. Unlike a motorbike, you don’t need a license to ride one, and their motors run off a battery that you can easily recharge using a regular power outlet. The motor kicks in when you pedal (pedal assist aka pedelec) or, depending on the model, with a throttle. You can read more about the difference between these two eBikes a little further down in this guide. eBikes provide extra power to your ride, helping you cover longer distances or ride uphill without breaking a sweat.
How do eBikes Work?
Here is a guide to the key components of an eBike:
Motor
The motor provides the electric assist and can be mounted either on the wheel hub or near the pedals (mid-drive). The power output is typically capped at 250 watts in Australia (500 watts in NSW) to comply with local laws.
Battery
The battery powers the motor. Most eBike batteries are removable, so you can charge them indoors or leave them mounted on the bike while charging. As a general guide, a full charge typically takes 4–8 hours depending on the eBike’s battery size, and batteries last around three years or 500–700 charges. They usually come with a two-year warranty.
Controller
The rider controls the level of assistance through the controller, which allows for different levels of motor support depending on the terrain or personal preference.
Pedal assist vs. motorized eBikes guide: What’s the difference?
When it comes to eBikes, there are two main types of motor assistance:
Pedal assist (pedelec)
The most common type of eBike sold in Australia is a pedal-assist bike, which requires you to pedal for the motor to activate. As you pedal, the motor provides additional power, making it easier to ride uphill or maintain speed over longer distances. You still get the feel of traditional cycling but with significantly less effort. If you’ve never tried one before, you will be surprised at how little effort is required to pedal.
Throttle-based (motorised)
Some eBikes come with a throttle, meaning you don’t need to pedal at all to get moving. These are sometimes called motorised eBikes, but they are limited to a maximum motor output of 200 watts in Australia (depending on which state you are in). They offer convenience for riders who want a fully powered experience, though throttle eBikes tend to have lower power limits compared to pedal-assist models.
A basic guide to Australian Laws surrounding eBikes
In Australia, eBikes are classified as bicycles, not motorbikes, meaning you don’t need a special license to ride one. However, they are subject to certain regulations:
Motor power limit
Pedal-assist eBikes can have motors up to 250 watts (500 watts in NSW), while throttle-based models are limited to 200 watts.
Speed limit
The motor must cut out at speeds above 25 km/h.
Age restrictions
This varies state by state, but given the popularity of eScooters as an alternative with younger people and the natural level of fitness that comes with being young, age restrictions on eBikes are not so much of a problem. Here is a guide to eBike age restrictions in Australia:
Please note that rules change all the time. Make sure to always check your local state or territory regulations first, just in case.
Why eBikes are ideal for RV travellers
For those hitting the road in an RV, eBikes offer a perfect way to explore without moving your entire setup. Once you’ve parked your RV at camp, you can leave it in place and use your eBike to get around—whether you’re heading into town for supplies, exploring nearby trails, or simply enjoying a scenic ride. The portability and range of eBikes make them ideal for RV travelers looking to extend their adventures beyond the campsite.
Plus, with foldable eBikes available, space is no issue—many models can fit neatly into an RV storage compartment.
Types of eBikes
EBikes come in a variety of styles tailored to different needs, here’s a quick guide as to what is available:
Commuter eBikes
Lightweight and built for daily rides, commuter eBikes are perfect for navigating city streets. They often feature comfortable seating positions and are designed for efficiency.
Mountain eBikes (eMTBs)
These eBikes are made for rugged off-road use. With sturdy suspension systems and extra battery power, they’re perfect for adventurous riders looking to tackle mountain trails.
Folding eBikes
For those tight on space or constantly on the move (like RV travellers), folding eBikes offer a compact, easily transportable solution without sacrificing performance.
Fat tyres eBikes
Built for all terrains, fat tyre eBikes provide added stability and traction on surfaces like sand, snow, and gravel. Perfect for riders who love exploring unconventional paths.
Cargo eBikes
Designed to carry more weight, cargo eBikes feature extended frames and storage options, ideal for families or delivery drivers who need extra space.
Hybrid eBikes
Versatile and built for both city and light off-road riding, hybrid eBikes combine the best features of road and mountain bikes.
Where to buy eBikes in Australia
With the growing popularity of eBikes, many retailers across Australia offer a wide selection of models to suit every type of rider. Below is a table guide of some of the top eBike retailers in Australia.
| Store | Location(s) | Brands Sold | Types of eBikes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 99 Bikes | Nationwide | Merida, Pedal, Cube, Norco, Velectrix | Commuter, Mountain, Folding, Fat Tire, Cargo, Hybrid |
| Bike Society | Adelaide | Giant, Liv, Scott, Focus | Commuter, Mountain, Hybrid |
| Crooze Electric | Gold Coast, Online | Pedego, NCM, Haibike, Velectrix | Commuter, Mountain, Folding, Fat Tire, Cargo |
| Cycle Station | Albury, Online | Cube, Scott, Merida, GT | Commuter, Mountain, Hybrid |
| Dyson Bikes | Online, Melbourne | Dyson, Focus, Gocycle, Greaser | Commuter, Mountain, Fat Tire, Folding, Cargo |
| Electric Bike Superstore | Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney | Leitner, Dyson, Earth, NCM, AVE | Commuter, Mountain, Folding, Fat Tire, Cargo, Hybrid |
| Electric Bikes Brisbane | Brisbane | Trek, Focus, Tern, Riese & Müller | Commuter, Cargo, Mountain, Hybrid, Folding |
| Everybodyebikes | Nationwide (Online) | Bosch, Shimano, Bafang | Commuter, Mountain, Folding |
| Glow Worm Bicycles | Sydney | Gazelle, Earth, Magnum, Christiania | Cargo, Commuter, Folding, Hybrid |
| Melbourne Electric Bicycles | Melbourne | Gepida, Orbea, Ezee, Gazelle | Commuter, Cargo, Folding, Mountain |
| My Ride | Nationwide | Focus, Giant, Kalkhoff, Norco | Commuter, Mountain, Hybrid |
| PEDL | Online, Sydney | PEDL | Commuter, Folding, Cargo, Hybrid, Fat Tyre |
| Reid Cycles | Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane | Reid, Vallkree, Ordica | Commuter, Mountain, Hybrid |
| Sydney Electric Bikes | Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane | Kalkhoff, Stealth, Riese & Müller | Commuter, Mountain, Folding, Cargo, Hybrid |
Stay tuned
eBikes offer a practical, eco-friendly, and fun way to explore, whether you’re commuting, adventuring, or travelling in your RV. With different styles to suit all riders and terrain, now’s the perfect time to hop on an eBike and enjoy the benefits of electric-powered cycling.
Stay tuned for our next article in this series where we talk about what to consider when buying an eBike.
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