If you are shopping for an e-bike in 2026, checking the certification is the single most important step you can take. With the Federal Government enforcing tighter import bans and New South Wales introducing strict new safety mandates, having the correct e-bike certification is the only way to ensure your bike is classed as a legal Electrically Power-Assisted Cycle (EPAC) in Australia.
The Federal Shift The Federal Government updated import laws on December 19, 2025, which now requires e-bikes imported into Australia to meet EN 15194 (2017). This update effectively stops the flow of any e-bike over 250W at the border, regardless of individual state laws.
The NSW Transition The NSW Government has advised that the state’s EPAC power limit will be reduced from 500W to 250W. While the exact date has not been confirmed, their official advice is to look for an EN 15194 (2017) certified e-bike now.
This means the UL 2849 certification pathway, which was previously used for high-powered bikes in NSW, will no longer meet federal import requirements. E-bikes over 250W with this certification will not meet the new standards, and current stock will be phased out.
This guide explains exactly what you need to look for to ensure your new ride is safe, legal, and future-proof.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. E-bike regulations vary across states and territories. Always check your local laws before riding.
Why E-Bike Certifications Matter
E-bike certification exists for two reasons: safety and consumer protection. It confirms that an e-bike or its components have passed independent testing for mechanical strength, electrical safety, and battery integrity. Certification also gives buyers confidence that the product meets performance claims and is built to recognised international standards.
But here’s what many people miss: certification doesn’t automatically mean legal for road use.
A bike can be fully certified to UL 2849, the North American e-bike safety standard, and still be illegal for public use in Australia if it exceeds local power or speed limits. Conversely, a 250 W pedelec that complies with EN 15194 is legal to ride almost anywhere in Australia and is the only “future-proof” choice for NSW riders.
Crucially, the Federal Government now requires e-bikes entering Australia to be certified to EN 15194. This standard strictly caps continuous power at 250 W. This means that even if a retailer tells you a 500 W bike is “currently legal” in NSW, it is likely part of a dying breed (stock that cannot be imported again once sold).
EN 15194 Certification: The Foundation for Legal E-Bikes
If you buy an e-bike in Australia that’s legally recognised as an EPAC (categorised as a bicycle), there’s a strong chance it complies with the European Standard EN 15194.
This certification focuses on electrical and mechanical safety, verifying braking performance, wiring protection, and ensuring the motor does not exceed its rated continuous power. It’s the “Gold Standard” for 250 W EPACs (Electrically Power-Assisted Cycles) across Europe, and the foundation of Australia’s own rules.
The Recommendation for NSW Buyers
While NSW has not yet confirmed the exact date the 500 W allowance will expire, the state government has explicitly advised buyers to “Choose a bike that meets European Standard EN 15194” to ensure compliance now and in the future.
The Two Versions of EN 15194
- EN 15194:2017 — Accepted in all Australian states and territories. Covers e-bikes with a 250 W continuous-rated motor and assistance up to 25 km/h.
- EN 15194:2017 + A1:2023 — The updated version recognised in NSW under new e-micromobility regulations taking effect 1 February 2026. It refines electrical-system testing and documentation requirements.
Many older imported e-bikes simply display “EN 15194” on their plate without specifying the version. If you are buying in NSW for 2026 compliance, looking for the + A1:2023 update is the safest bet.
EN 15194:2017 + A1:2023 Summary
| What it verifies | Power or speed limits in scope | Where it applies in Australia | Bottom line for buyers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical and mechanical safety for EPACs. Includes braking, wiring, battery, and durability. | Limited to 250 W continuous rated power and 25 km/h assist cut-off. | Nationwide. Accepted in all states. Required for Federal Import as of Dec 2025. | The benchmark for legal 250 W e-bikes. Safe, proven, and widely recognised. |
For a deeper explanation of how EN 15194 testing works and why it matters, see our article: EN 15194 Certification Explained.
AS 15194: Australia’s Own Standard
Australia’s AS 15194 is an adaptation of the European EN standard, but designed for local conditions and aligned with AS/NZS 60335 electrical-safety requirements.
Historically, AS 15194 certification could be used to approve 500 W e-bikes in NSW. However, with the Federal import ban now enforcing EN 15194 (which limits imports to 250 W), the supply of AS-certified 500 W bikes is ending.
Going forward, AS 15194 remains a valid and robust standard for 250 W bikes, acting as the Australian equivalent to the European rules.
AS 15194 (Australian Standard) Summary
| What it verifies | Power or speed limits in scope | Where it applies in Australia | Bottom line for buyers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australian adaptation of EN 15194 with additional electrical clauses. | Covers up to 500 W (historically), now aligning with the 250 W national shift. | Nationwide. Accepted as evidence of safety and compliance. | A high-quality local standard, but beware of buying “old stock” 500W bikes that may soon be non-compliant. |
Learn more this certification in our detailed article: AS 15194 Certification Explained.
UL 2849: System-Wide Electrical Safety
UL 2849: System-Wide Electrical Safety (The “Trap” for Legality)
The UL 2849 certification, developed by UL Solutions (USA), is one of the most respected e-bike safety standards in the world. It assesses the entire electrical propulsion system—testing the motor, controller, battery, and charger for fire and shock risks.
But here is the catch: UL 2849 is a safety standard, not a road rule standard.
- It does not set legal watt limits (it can certify a 2000 W motor).
- It does not enforce speed limits (it can certify a 50 km/h throttle).
Previously, NSW accepted UL 2849 as a pathway for 500 W bikes. However, with the Federal Government blocking high-powered imports and NSW signalling a return to 250 W, UL 2849 alone is no longer a guarantee of road legality.
A UL-certified 750 W e-bike might be safe from fire, but if you ride it on the road in 2026, you are likely riding an unregistered motor vehicle.
Legal classification depends on the continuous-rated hardware power, not the settings. For a full explanation, read: Is a 1000 W E-Bike Legal in Australia?
UL 2849:2022
| What it verifies | Power or speed limits in scope | Where it applies in Australia | Bottom line for buyers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-system electrical safety certification. Tests for fire, shock, and thermal runaway. | No watt or speed limit. Applies to any system voltage or motor rating. | NSW only. Currently (Jan 2026) being phased out in favour of EN 15194. | Excellent for fire safety, but it is being phased out as an EPAC certification pathway in NSW. |
Learn more this certification in our detailed article: UL2849 Certification Explained.
Battery Certifications: EN 50604-1, IEC 62133-2, and UL 2271
While UL 2849 looks at the whole e-bike electrical system, battery standards verify the safety of the energy source itself. Under EN 15194:2017+A1:2023 (the version NSW requires for EPAC compliance from 1 Feb 2026), the battery is expected to demonstrate conformity with EN 50604-1 for light electric vehicle batteries, alongside recognised cell and pack safety standards. There are three main battery certification standards.
EN 50604-1
European safety standard for rechargeable lithium batteries used in light electric vehicles, including e-bikes. It evaluates:
- Electrical abuse tolerance, overcharge, short-circuit, and forced discharge
- Mechanical integrity, vibration, drop, crush, and impact resistance
- Thermal behaviour, propagation resistance, and enclosure safety
IEC 62133-2
Global benchmark for lithium-ion rechargeable cells and packs used in portable and light vehicle applications. It tests:
- Overcharge, discharge, and short-circuit protection behaviour
- Vibration, shock, and crush performance
- Thermal stability, venting, and containment under stress
UL 2271
North American pack-level safety standard for batteries used in light electric vehicles. It assesses:
- Pack construction, insulation, enclosure integrity, and wiring protection
- Thermal and chemical stability under abuse conditions
- Resistance to vibration, puncture, impact, and moisture
UN 38.3: Transport Safety Only
The UN 38.3 label you see on battery packaging is not a quality badge for riders. It’s a transport regulation, ensuring lithium-ion batteries can be safely shipped by air or sea.
Tests include:
- Altitude simulation
- Vibration and shock tolerance
- Thermal cycling and forced discharge
It’s essential for importers and couriers, but it says nothing about on-road legality or riding safety.
If a seller promotes “UN 38.3 Certified” as a sign of e-bike quality, know that it refers to shipping safety, not riding safety.
The RCM Mark: Charger Safety
Regardless of what bike you buy, the charger must display the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM). This triangle-tick logo shows that the product meets Australian electrical safety standards.
To check your charger:
- Look for the RCM symbol on its label.
- Make sure the voltage and current match your e-bike’s battery.
- Avoid unbranded or generic chargers, which may fail safety testing and void warranties.
Official guidance: Electrical Regulatory Authorities Council (ERAC)
Understanding What Each Standard Proves (2026 Update)
As of 2026, the distinction between “Safe” and “Legal” is critical.
- EN 15194 & AS 15194 (The “Whole Bike” Standard): These verify that the bike is Safe, Durable, AND Legal.
- Mechanical: Includes rigorous fatigue testing (e.g. frame stress tests) and braking performance tests to ensure the bike won’t snap or fail under the weight and power of the motor.
- Legal: Documents the continuous rated power (250W), assist cut-off (25 km/h), and pedal-assist behaviour required by Australian road rules.
- UL 2849 (The “Electrical System” Standard): This confirms the bike is Electrically Safe.
- Scope: It rigorously tests the battery, motor, and controller for fire risks, shock hazards, and thermal runaway.
- The Gap: It does not typically include the comprehensive mechanical durability tests (brakes, frame fatigue, steering) required for bicycle safety standards like ISO 4210 or EN 15194. Most importantly, it does not verify that the bike meets Australian road rules for speed and power.
The “Locked” Motor Myth: With the new crackdowns, simply having a high-powered motor that is “software locked” to 250W is effectively prohibited. Queensland authorities have explicitly stated that “devices with more powerful motors that are ‘locked’ to 250 watts are also prohibited,” and federal import rules rely on the hardware rating of the motor.
Buyer’s Guide Summary
If you are shopping for a legal e-bike in Australia in 2026, use this checklist to future-proof your purchase:
- Power Limit: 250 W continuous (Nationwide).
- Note: While NSW has not confirmed the date the 500 W limit ends, 500 W bikes can no longer be imported as EPACs due to changes at the federal level.
- Certification: EN 15194 (2017) is the safest choice for future compliance.
- Assist Rules: Pedal assist must cut off at 25 km/h.
- Throttle: Limited to 6 km/h (Walk Assist).
- Battery Safety: Look for EN 50604-1, IEC 62133-2, or UL 2271.
- Charger: Must display the RCM mark.
Certification vs Compliance
When you see an e-bike promoted as “certified,” it could mean one of two things:
- Certified: The model was independently tested and passed all requirements.
- Complies with: The manufacturer claims the design meets standards, but it hasn’t been independently verified.
With NSW mandating strict compliance from Feb 2026, buying a bike with independent certification (like the True North Zero) is the only way to guarantee you aren’t buying a product that will soon be illegal to sell.
Conclusion
Australia’s e-bike market is maturing. The new 2026 standards, driven by Federal import bans and NSW safety mandates, are filtering out the “wild west” of unsafe imports.
The Takeaway: While the specific date for the NSW power limit change is yet to be gazetted, the direction is clear. The Federal Government has closed the door on high-powered imports, and NSW has advised riders to choose EN 15194 (2017) for future compliance.
The safest approach is to choose a bike that is independently tested to EN 15194 (2017). This gives you confidence that the bike is safe, compliant with Federal import laws, and ready for the unified national road rules.
Further reading to build your knowledge
- EN 15194 Certification Explained How the 250 W EPAC standard is tested, what the A1:2023 amendment changes in NSW, and how to read labels correctly.
- AS 15194 Certification and Why It Matters The Australian standard that covers 250 W to 500 W EPACs, test scope, and what NSW suppliers must show from 1 Feb 2026.
- UL 2849 for E-Bikes What system-level electrical safety covers, how it complements EPAC certification, and how to read a UL file number.
- E-Bike Battery Certifications EN 50604-1, IEC 62133-2, and UL 2271 in plain English, plus what the RCM mark on chargers means for Australian buyers.
- Is a 1000 W E-Bike Legal in Australia Why road rules focus on continuous rated power, what “locked” modes do not change, and how to check a motor’s rating in seconds.
- E-Bike Laws in Australia 2026 The big picture across states, including assist behaviour, throttle rules, and where you can ride.
