E-bike certification is a good thing. It means the Australian e-bike market is maturing, filtering out unsafe imports, and focusing on quality, tested products. But there’s a catch: not all certifications mean the same thing, and they don’t necessarily make an e-bike legal to ride on roads, shared paths, or cycleways.
As new standards roll out across Australia, especially with NSW mandating e-bike certification from February 2026, understanding what each certification means has never been more important. Some prove that a bike is mechanically and electrically safe. Others determine whether they meet the safety, power, and speed limits required to qualify as a bicycle under Australian road law.
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, but it must meet the latest version of that standard in NSW from February 2026.
This guide explains what each certification covers, how to read compliance markings, and how to tell if your e-bike is both certified and road-legal. If you simply want to see which models comply, start with our guide to Legal E-Bikes in Australia.
EN 15194 Certification: The Foundation for Legal E-Bikes
If you buy an e-bike in Australia that’s legally recognised 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. But not all EN labels are the same.
The Two Versions of EN 15194
- EN 15194:2017 — Accepted in all Australian states and territories except NSW (from February 2026). 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 now recognised in NSW under new e-micromobility regulations taking effect 1 February 2026. It refines electrical-system testing and documentation requirements but still only applies to 250 W EPACs.
Many imported e-bikes simply display “EN 15194” on their plate without specifying the version. Without the + A1:2023 update, those models do not meet NSW’s latest compliance requirements.
EN 15194:2017 + A1:2023
| What it verifies | Power or speed limits in scope | Where it applies in Australia | Bottom line for buyers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical and mechanical safety for EPACs (Electrically Power-Assisted Cycles). Includes braking, wiring, battery, and system durability testing. | Limited to 250 W continuous rated power and 25 km/h assist cut-off. | National baseline for EPACs. Accepted in all states for 250 W pedelecs. In NSW, accepted as one of three certification options only for 250 W models, not 500 W. | The benchmark for legal 250 W e-bikes. Safe, proven, and widely recognised. Check the year/version — older EN 15194 labels may not meet NSW’s 2026 requirement for the +A1:2023 update. |
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.
Unlike EN 15194, the Australian Standard allows testing for 250 W, 350 W, and 500 W continuous-rated motors, making it the most practical certification for NSW-compliant pedelecs.
AS 15194 certification covers:
- Electrical and wiring safety
- Braking and handling performance
- EMC (electromagnetic compatibility)
- Structural and frame durability
- Labelling and traceability requirements
AS 15194 (Australian Standard)
| 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 and structural safety clauses aligned to AS/NZS 60335. | Covers up to 500 W continuous rated pedal-assist motors with 25 km/h assist cut-off. | NSW: Accepted as one of three mandatory certification options for sale from 1 February 2026, applicable to bikes up to 500 W. Other states: Not mandatory but accepted as evidence of safety and compliance for 250 W. | The only Australian-specific certification that covers up to 500 W. |
Learn more this certification in our detailed article: AS 15194 Certification Explained.
UL 2849: System-Wide Electrical Safety
The UL 2849 certification, developed by UL Solutions (USA), is now one of the most respected e-bike safety standards in the world. It assesses the entire electrical propulsion system, not just individual components, and is gaining recognition as a sign of premium engineering.
UL 2849 tests include:
- Motor, controller, and wiring-harness integrity
- Battery-management-system safety
- Charger interface performance
- Protection against short circuits and over-current
- Fire, shock, and thermal-runaway resistance
- Software safeguards against runaway current or malfunction
UL 2849 certification confirms the safety and reliability of the complete electrical system, regardless of power rating. It applies to any wattage, including 250 W, 500 W, 750 W, or even 2000 W systems.
However, it’s essential to understand what UL 2849 doesn’t do. It does not set or validate legal watt or speed limits under Australian road law. A UL-certified 1000 W e-bike may be electrically safe and built to a high standard, but it’s still illegal to ride on public roads or paths in every Australian state, even if the motor is digitally limited to lower wattage or speed-restricted to 25 km/h pedal assist and 6 km/h throttle.
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 developed by UL Solutions (USA). Tests the battery pack, charger, controller, wiring, and software protection for electrical and thermal safety. | No watt or speed limit. Applies to any system voltage or motor rating. | NSW: One of three accepted certification options. Required for e-bikes over 500 W continuous. All other states: Optional but recognised as a mark of system-level safety. | Confirms electrical and fire safety but does not validate watt or speed limits. Always check that the motor’s continuous rated power aligns with your state’s legal limit. |
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.
For a breakdown of what these logistics standards cover, see: UN 38.3 Certification for E-Bike Batteries Explained.
The RCM Mark: Charger Safety
Every charger sold in Australia must display the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM). This triangle-tick logo shows that the product meets Australian electrical-safety and electromagnetic-compatibility 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
Both EN 15194 and AS 15194 confirm and document an e-bike’s continuous rated power, assist cut-off, and pedal-assist behaviour as required under Australian road law. These certifications show that a bike meets the recognised safety standards and complies with the power and speed limits needed for legal use on public roads and paths.
By contrast, UL 2849 confirms that the electrical system is safe, but it does not verify power or speed limits. If you are considering a UL-certified e-bike, check the motor casing or plate for its rated power. It’s often laser-marked near the axle or on the drive unit. If it reads above 250 W (or 500 W in NSW), that bike will not be legal to ride on public roads or paths, even if it’s “digitally limited” by the manufacturer.
Queensland’s government makes it clear: “It is important to note that devices with more powerful motors that are ‘locked’ to 250 watts are also prohibited.”
Buyer’s Guide Summary
If you’re shopping for a legal e-bike in Australia, use this as your quick checklist:
- Power limit:
- 250 W continuous for all states and territories.
- 500 W continuous allowed in NSW only.
- Certification:
- EN 15194, AS15194, or UL2849 for 250 W.
- AS 15194, or UL2849 for up to 500 W.
- UL 2849 for over 500 W (Private use only)
- Assist rules:
- Pedal assist must cut off at 25 km/h (not assessed in UL2849).
- Throttle limited to 6 km/h (not assessed in UL2849).
- Battery safety:
- Look for EN 50604-1, IEC 62133-2, or UL 2271.
- Check that the charger displays the RCM mark.
- Avoid digital limiters:
- Digital caps don’t make an over-powered motor (750 W or 1,000 W) legal.
- Confirm the stamped continuous rated power on motor.
Certification vs Compliance
When you see an e-bike advertised as “certified,” it could mean one of two things:
- Certified: The model (or specific variant) was independently tested and passed all requirements of a recognised standard.
- Complies with: The manufacturer claims that the design meets those standards, but the model itself hasn’t been independently tested or formally certified.
When in doubt, ask the brand whether the a model is certified or merely complies with a standard.
Conclusion
Australia’s new e-bike certification standards mark a major step forward for both safety and consumer protection. Each certification plays a distinct role. The AS 15194 and EN 15194:2017 + A1:2023 standards confirm that an e-bike has been independently tested to meet national requirements for electrical safety, power output, and assist speed limits. If your e-bike carries one of these certifications, you can be confident it complies with both safety and road-legal standards (depending on your state or territory).
By contrast, UL 2849 certification focuses on system-wide electrical and fire safety. It ensures the engineering, wiring, and battery systems meet some of the world’s highest technical benchmarks, but it does not verify speed or power limits under Australian road law. If you’re buying a UL-certified e-bike, always check that the motor’s continuous rated power and assist speed align with your state’s regulations.
In short, certification now matters more than ever, not just for quality, but for safety and legality. Understanding what each standard means helps you make an informed choice and ride with confidence, knowing your e-bike is both safe and compliant. For a shortlist of e-bikes that already meet Australia’s watt and speed limits, see our guide to Legal E-Bikes in Australia.
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 2025 The big picture across states, including assist behaviour, throttle rules, and where you can ride.
