Power numbers on e-bikes can be confusing. You’ll see 250 W, 500 W and 1000 W, and terms like “continuous,” “rated,” and “peak.” The distinction matters because Australian law uses the continuous rated power to decide what is legal on roads and shared paths. This guide demystifies the language, explains how motors and controllers interact, and shows you how to verify a bike’s rating before you buy. If you’re new to e-bikes, start with our guide: E-Bike Laws in Australia (2025): Everything You Need to Know.
Continuous rated power
Continuous rated power is the output a motor can sustain indefinitely without overheating. It is set by the manufacturer, printed on the motor or rating plate, and it’s the number regulators rely on. Because it reflects thermal limits and durability, it’s a conservative figure tied to real engineering constraints rather than a momentary spike.
What the law looks for, in brief:
- Most of Australia: Pedal-assist bikes are treated as bicycles only if assistance cuts out at 25 km/h and the maximum continuous rated power is 250 W.
- NSW exception: Pedal-assist may be up to 500 W continuous, with the same 25 km/h cut-off and pedal requirement.
If a bike exceeds the applicable continuous rating or doesn’t cut assistance at 25 km/h, it’s generally treated as a motor vehicle for the purposes of road law.
Peak power
Peak power is the short burst you feel when you pull away from the lights or climb a hill. It’s higher than the continuous rating and lasts only briefly before heat forces the system to settle back. A well-designed 250 W bike can still deliver a strong peak for a few seconds, which is why legal bikes can climb confidently and feel lively. Peak shapes ride feel, but it is not the legal yardstick.
The controller determines how much peak you actually experience and for how long. A conservative controller limits current to protect components and extend life. An aggressive controller allows higher peak current for punchier starts, but generates more heat and may shorten component lifespan if pushed frequently. None of this changes the continuous rating printed on the label, which is the number the law cares about.
How to find a motor’s rated power
Regulators start with the hardware, and so should you. Almost every e-bike motor will have:
- A stamped model code on the hub shell or drive unit.
- The continuous rated power embedded in that code or printed on a nearby rating plate.
- A QR code that opens the manufacturer record for that model.
Stand at the rear wheel and read the stamped line. On the True North Seeker, the stamp reads “RM G062.500.D 08.” The “.500.” denotes a 500-watt continuous motor (for NSW supply). Scan the QR sticker beside it and you’ll land on the manufacturer record for the G062 family that confirms the same continuous rating along with voltage and other specs. This is precisely the kind of information an inspector, insurer or court would rely on; it outweighs any adjustable mode or setting.
If you’re inspecting another brand, follow the same steps: find the code, confirm the continuous rating via QR or datasheet, and make sure it matches the rules where you ride.
Sales language to treat as a red flag
Most reputable Australian listings present the continuous rating, which is good practice. Confusion starts when advertising leans on software claims rather than hardware facts.
If a product is described as “digitally limited to comply” or “legal in the seller’s opinion,” proceed with caution. In Australia, authorities assess the designed and marked continuous rating and how assistance is delivered, not a changeable user setting in advanced settings (or a connected app). If the hardware is stamped above your state’s limit, a software cap does not change its legal classification. For clear consumer guidance, see the Queensland Government e-bike rules and VicRoads electric bikes; the NSW regulation sets the 500 W allowance explicitly.
A simple shopper’s check: read the metal and the QR. If the stamp or datasheet doesn’t clearly state the continuous rating, or staff can’t answer whether power can be changed in advanced settings, walk away or ask for written confirmation.
Common questions
- Is a 250 W bike enough?
For most urban riding, yes. A well-tuned 250 W system can deliver strong short bursts for starts and hills while staying within the law. Ride feel depends heavily on controller tuning and torque delivery, not watts alone. - Why does torque matter?
Watts describe power; torque is turning force at the wheel. On steep hills or with cargo, torque is what gets you moving without wobble. Two legal 250 W bikes can feel very different because one delivers higher peak torque and ramps it in smoothly. Mid-drive systems exploit the bike’s gears to multiply torque at low speed; hub drives can feel excellent too when the controller, motor winding, and wheel size are well matched. - What about 500 W?
If you ride in NSW, a 500 W continuous EPAC can deliver more power than other states while remaining legal, provided assistance still cuts at 25 km/h and meets EPAC requirements. Outside NSW, a 500 W continuous bike is not road-legal. - Do software caps make a 750 W or 1000 W bike legal?
No. Regulators look at the motor’s designed and marked continuous rating and the assist behaviour, not changeable user settings in advanced settings or an app. - How do controllers affect durability?
A controller that allows very high peak current feels punchy but creates heat stress. Used often, that can shorten the life of the controller and motor. A conservative controller sacrifices a bit of snap for longevity. The continuous rating is unchanged; the system’s character and lifespan differ. - Quick shop-floor check:
Read the stamp, confirm the continuous number with the QR, and verify the 25 km/h assist cut-off. If you ride outside NSW, look for 250 W. If you ride in NSW, 500 W is legal for pedal-assist with the 25 km/h cut-off and proper compliance.
Conclusion
Continuous power is the legal anchor. Peak power shapes how a bike feels for a few seconds at a time. The controller decides how much of that peak you actually experience and for how long, and torque tells you how confidently the bike will move you and your load, especially uphill. Shop by reading the motor stamp and QR, not by trusting claims about advanced settings or “digital limits.” Choose a bike that is marked for the legal continuous rating where you ride and that stops assisting at 25 km/h. For the broader legal context across all states and practical buying tips, see our article: E-Bike Laws in Australia (2025): Everything You Need to Know.
