If you are thinking about buying an electric trike in Queensland, you probably want a straight answer before you spend your money. The good news is that e-trikes are legal in Queensland, as long as they meet the recently released requirements published by the Queensland government. This guide explains those requirements, where you can ride, and what to check before you buy.
What Is an E-Trike and How Does It Work?
An e-trike is a three-wheeled device fitted with an electric motor that provides pedal assistance. Instead of replacing your effort, the motor supports it, making hills easier and longer distances more manageable. As a three-wheeled bike is unable to be compliant under the European EN15194 standard which is designed for 2-wheeled e-bikes only, an electric trike is now considered Special Purpose Electric Pedal Assist Cycles (EPAC) under Queensland law.
The rules for compliance for Special Purpose EPACs are different to EN15194, as follows:
- Must have pedals fitted and able to be used functionally as the primary means for propulsion.
- Maximum throttle speed without pedalling limited to 12 km.h. When propelled only by auxiliary electric motor, a special purpose EPAC must not be capable of exceeding a speed of 12 km/h.
- Maximum speed with pedal assistance 25 km/h. The propulsion assistance provided by an auxiliary electric motor activated by pedalling must cut off once the e-trike reaches a speed of 25 km/h.
- Tamper-proof settings. A special purpose EPAC must not have a feature that allows a speed limitation of 12 km/h and 25 km/h to be bypassed, disengaged or overridden, unless the feature is for the purpose of setting a lower speed limitation. This is referred to as a “tamper-proof” and there must be no way for the consumer to adapt the e-trike to go faster or for the throttle to operate at speeds over 12 km/h without pedalling once supplied.
- Motor wattage (continuous rating). Special Purpose EPACs do not have a maximum continuous rating for motor wattage under Queensland law, but the maximum speed with pedal assistance is non-negotiable. It must not exceed 25 km/h. Note a trike can travel faster than this but only under the power of human efforts or gravity alone.
Are Electric Trikes Legal in Queensland?
Yes, electric trikes are legal to operate in public spaces in Queensland. To be treated as a compliant device under Queensland road rules, an e-trike must meet the stated requirements listed above, including pedal assist that cuts out at 25 km/h and a throttle which does not exceed 12 km/h without pedalling and all devices must have these requirements fixed and unable to be increased once supplied.
If the electric tricycle does not meet one or any of these stated requirements for Special Purpose EPAC, the vehicle is not compliant for use in any public spaces and must only be used strictly on privately-owned property.
Compliant vs. Non-Compliant E-Trike: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Legal E-Trike (QLD) | Non-Compliant E-Trike |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Speed with motor assistance | Motor cuts out at 25 km/h | Motor continues to assist rider at speeds above 25 km/h |
| Operation type | Primarily pedal assist (pedelec) with throttle only limited to up to 12 km/h |
Primarily pedal assist (pedelec) with throttle-only up to 25 km/h or Throttle only with no pedalling over 25 km/h |
| Helmet required | Yes |
N/A If the device is not compliant, use is restricted to privately-owned property. |
| Registration required | No |
N/A If the device is non-compliant, it is unable to be registered. Use is restricted to privately-owned property only |
| Licence required |
Yes, at least Qld learners permit or full, valid drivers licence required for all riders of special purpose EPACs If not licenced, a valid and authorised Medical/Disability exemption is required (conditions may apply) If under 17 and without a licence, must be over 12 years of age and accompanied by an approved licenced adult. |
N/A If the device is non-compliant, the licence status of the rider is irrelevant when being used in public spaces. Use is restricted to privately-owned property only |
How Fast Can an E-Trike Go in Queensland?
In Queensland, an e-trike's electric motor must stop assisting once the rider reaches 25 km/h. Riders may exceed this speed through their own pedalling effort or gravity, but the motor must not assist beyond that point.
This means that on flat ground or downhill, you can naturally travel faster than 25 km/h if you keep pedalling. That is perfectly fine. The rule applies specifically to motor assistance, not to your own physical effort.
Do You Need a Licence or Registration for an E-Trike in QLD?
A valid drivers licence or learners permit is required to ride a compliant e-trike in Queensland. The licence must be valid and not suspended for any reason besides medical. A rider with a cancelled licence is not able to ride unless the cancellation is due to medical condition change and/or disability in which case the rider must carry a valid and authorised medical exemption certificate while riding.
Children aged 12 to 17 who are not able to or have not completed a learners permit online test must only ride when accompanied by their parent, legal guardian or other approved and licenced adult.
A compliant e-trike is treated as a special purpose EPAC, not a motor vehicle, so it does not need to be registered. The device must display a special purpose EPAC sticker prominently displayed when used in public spaces, confirming compliance with the Queensland legislation.
This changes if the e-trike does not meet the Queensland requirements. An e-trike that provides motor assistance above 25 km/h or has a throttle that propels the device over 12 km/h without pedalling is non-compliant, unable to be verified as a compliant special purpose EPAC and must not be ridden in public spaces including roads, footpaths, shared paths, rail trails, beaches, State forests or National Parks or any other publically-owned land. They are restricted to exclusive use on a private property only.
Where Can You Ride an E-Trike in Queensland?
A compliant e-trike can generally be ridden in the following locations:
- Public roads where bicycles are permitted (max speed 25 km/h)
- Dedicated bike lanes (max speed 25 km/h)
- Shared paths designated for both cyclists and pedestrians (max speed 25 km/h when not passing pedestrians; 12 km/h when passing pedestrians)
- Cycling tracks open to bicycle riders (max speed 25 km/h)
- Nominated Rail trails designed for shared use (max speed 25 km/h when not passing pedestrians; 12 km/h when passing pedestrians)
- Purpose-built mountain-bike or recreation reserves designed for bike or trike use (max speed 25 km/h)
Footpaths in Queensland have specific rules and bike riding is limited to 12 km/h under all circumstances, even where no other user is present.
Only riders on compliant e-bikes and e-trikes are able to ride in public spaces.
What to Check Before Buying an E-Trike in Queensland
Trike pedals 
Handlebar throttle and display 
Rear wheel motor
Buying an e-trike that does not meet Queensland road rules can be a costly mistake. Here are the key things to verify before you commit to a purchase:
- Check the device has working pedals. Footplates for operation of throttle-only devices are not recommended if they impede the use of the functioning pedals.
- Confirm the motor cuts out at 25 km/h. A reputable retailer should be able to confirm this. The motor should activate when you pedal and stop when you stop pedalling.
- Check that the e-trike uses pedal assist over 12 km/h. Throttle-only operation must be limited to 12 km/h maximum and can be slower than this.
- Confirm the settings are not able to be changed. If you can modify the maximum speed, wheel diameter, throttle speed above 12 km/hr without pedalling or any other parameter that makes the e-trike faster with or without pedalling, the e-trike is not compliant under the Queensland legislation.
- Be cautious with online models that may be set up for other markets. Some overseas models have higher power outputs or different speed settings that do not meet Queensland requirements out of the box.
- Choose a retailer who is transparent about compliance. A good retailer should clearly explain the motor specifications and confirm the bike is suitable for use on Queensland roads and paths. Be cautious with retailers who advise how to make changes to any parameter or who have a history of advertising faster speeds or throttle power on their devices. Always ask for verification on how models have been locked to be compliant if previously advertising contradicted Queensland’s legislative requirements for electric trikes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, adults are permitted to ride on footpaths in Queensland but must always slow to 12 km/h when riding an e-bike or e-trike. Check the current Queensland road rules for full details.
A compliant e-trike does not require compulsory third-party insurance in the same way a registered motor vehicle does. However, personal insurance or home and contents insurance policies may offer optional coverage. Check with your insurer about your options. Bicycle Queensland membership offers liability insurance for members but only when riding compliant models. Always check the insurance exclusions to check that compliant Special Purpose EPACs are covered by the insurance underwriter.
Throttle-only operation, where the motor runs without any pedalling, must not propel the device past 12 km/h. An e-trike that operates on throttle only gives riders the ability to use the e-trike on the footpath to get home safely if they are unable to pedal. This is a major difference between e-trikes and e-bikes, which are unable to operate without pedalling past 6 km/h. Check with the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads if you are considering a model with a throttle.
Yes, generally. Queensland road rules allow all riders to ride on footpaths as long as the speed of operation does not exceed 12 km/h. An e-trike can be a practical option for older riders who prefer a stable, three-wheeled design. Always check the current Queensland road rules or TMR guidance to confirm current requirements.