Disclaimer: This is general information. Always check your local laws before riding.
If you’re weighing up an e-bike with a throttle, the key question is simple: what’s generally legal when it comes to e-bike throttles in Australia? This guide sets out the accepted throttle use on public roads and paths, the common throttle types, how isolators and settings affect legality, and what to look for when buying. For more information on e-bikes requirements, read our guide: E-Bike Laws in Australia (2025): Everything You Need to Know.
Are throttles legal on e-bikes in Australia?
Yes, in a limited way. Under the EPAC pattern used in Australia (aligned with EN 15194 principles), a throttle may move the bike only at about walking pace (roughly 6 km/h) without pedalling, often called walk or start assist. Above that, you must be pedalling for the motor to provide assistance, and assistance must cut out at 25 km/h. That is the generally accepted public-road behaviour as at the time of writing this article.
Bottom line: on public roads, a throttle is for walk assist and starting. If it carries you faster than walking pace without pedalling, you are outside the accepted definition of an EPAC.
Types of E-Bike Throttles
Not all throttles are the same in how they operate, even if the law treats them alike. The common types of throttles you’ll encounter on e-bikes are:
- Thumb Throttle: A small lever on the handlebar you press with your thumb. It’s spring-loaded – press down to accelerate, release to stop. Thumb throttles are popular for their ease of use and are less likely to be accidentally engaged compared to twist throttles. Legally, a thumb throttle must still adhere to the 6 km/h no-pedal limit on Australian roads (unless the bike is the low-powered 200 W type, which is uncommon nowadays).
- Twist Throttle: Similar to a motorcycle or scooter, you twist the handle grip to apply power. These can be full-twist (you grip and rotate the entire handle) or half-twist (only half the grip rotates). Twist throttles give a more intuitive “motorbike” feel. However, be cautious: it’s easy to accidentally roll on power when gripping the bars, so some riders prefer thumb throttles for safety. Again, having a twist throttle doesn’t exempt you from the assist limits – it’s just another way of controlling the motor.
- Push-Button Throttle: Less common, some e-bikes have a simple on/off button for the throttle (press to engage motor, release to cut power). This is usually seen on very basic kits. It’s essentially an all-or-nothing approach and can be jerky. Like other throttles, it can only legally be used for very low-speed assistance on public paths.
No matter the type (thumb, twist, or button), Australian regulations only allow their use without pedaling up to ~6 km/h in public riding. Above that speed, you must be pedaling for the motor to continue assisting. So a fancy throttle won’t let you cheat the law.
It’s the controller settings, not the physical throttle shape, that determine compliance. Many street-legal e-bikes program the controller so that the throttle either cuts out past 6 km/h or only works when you’re also pedaling. If you’re shopping for a bike, it’s worth asking how the throttle is configured as some are unlockable and others are not.
Public roads vs private property
Public use: When you are in public space, the walk-assist and 25 km/h pedal-assist rules apply. Using a throttle to travel at speed without pedalling is not permitted and can attract penalties, including impoundment of illegal devices (Queensland Government). Authorities assess how the system behaves and how it is presented, not marketing claims. In some cases, police will check how fast the throttle can spin the wheel to confirm compliance.
Private property: Road rules do not apply on genuinely private land. If your controller allows the throttle limit to be turned off for private use, that is acceptable only on private property. The moment you enter public space, you must revert to the walk-assist limit and pedal-assist behaviour.
Isolators and settings
A battery isolator or kill switch is good safety practice for storage, transport and emergencies. It does not alter compliance. Passing the accepted EPAC-style check is about how assistance is delivered: walk at about 6 km/h on throttle without pedalling, pedal-assist for riding, 25 km/h cut-off. Treat isolators and menu toggles as safety and convenience features, not compliance tools.
Buying an e-bike with a throttle: practical checks
If you’re in the market for an e-bike and you know you want a throttle (perhaps for that occasional burst of help or just for fun on private property), keep these tips in mind to ensure you stay legal and happy with your purchase:
- Look for a compliance label or documentation. Clear mention of walk/start assist around 6 km/h without pedalling, and an explicit 25 km/h pedal-assist cut-off, consistent with government rider guidance
- Ask how the throttle is configured. It should operate as walk/start assist without pedalling to about 6 km/h, then require pedalling. If the throttle can carry you at riding speeds without pedalling, it is not suitable for public roads.
- Ask for a throttle speed check. Retailers can lean the bike on its stand with the motorised wheel off the ground, engage the throttle, and watch the speedometer as the wheel free-spins. It should not exceed 6 km/h. This is the same way police generally conduct quick compliance checks in some states.
Final thoughts
Throttle-equipped e-bikes can be a ton of fun and provide practical help (like getting moving from a standstill). In Australia, you just have to live within that “pedal-assist first” rule on public roads. Many riders find that after a while, they don’t miss the throttle except in specific situations – and when they do want that full-throttle freedom, they find a safe, legal place to use it (like a private track or property). As technology and laws evolve, we may see changes, but as of 2025 the core rule is clear: throttles are for assist, not for full-time cruising, when you’re riding in public.
Stay safe out there, respect the rules, and enjoy the ride! If you want to learn more about all aspects of e-bike regulations, be sure to read our article E-Bike Laws in Australia (2025): Everything You Need to Know.
