South Australia just closed a six week review of its e-bike and e-scooter rules
South Australia has been running its own review of the rules covering e-bikes and personal mobility devices, and the public submission window has now shut. The Department for Infrastructure and Transport opened its YourSAy survey on 26 June and closed it on Sunday 16 August, six weeks later.
What the review covers
The review spans two categories that South Australia regulates separately: e-scooters and other personal mobility devices, and e-bikes. E-bikes were folded in after road safety stakeholders and members of the public raised concerns about illegal, non-compliant machines on South Australian roads and paths. The department has asked for views on safety improvements, licensing requirements, minimum rider age, where these devices can be ridden, and speed limits.
Where South Australia sits now
Private e-scooters and other personal mobility devices were only legalised on South Australian footpaths, shared paths, bike paths, many bike lanes and roads from July 2025. Under the current rules, e-scooters and personal mobility devices are capped at 10 km/h on footpaths, beaches and shared paths. E-scooters can use roads with a speed limit up to 60 km/h, provided they stay in the bike lane and do not exceed 25 km/h. Riders must wear a helmet but do not need a licence. Compliant e-bikes keep full access wherever bicycles are already allowed.
What happens next
This was a data-gathering exercise, not a rule change. The department says the survey findings will be published ahead of further engagement with industry, local government and road safety experts before anything is drafted.
What it means for buyers: nothing changes today if you are shopping for an e-bike in South Australia. It is worth watching over the next few months, because minimum rider age and licensing are both explicitly on the table, and Queensland has already moved in that direction. Whatever comes out of it, a compliant 250 watt, 25 km/h pedal-assist e-bike stays on the right side of the line, so that is the spec to filter on when you compare e-bikes on BikeFinder.