Bicycles, e-scooters and e-bikes

• Parents should spend time supervising children while they develop the necessary skills to be able to ride in a straight line, brake properly and corner safely.
• Choose a flat, open space away from traffic with a surface that is suitable for children to practice.
• Children under 13 should only ride on the road with adult supervision.

• Teach children to cycle safely from an early age, such as making a shoulder check behind them before they signal and turn.
• Remember to be clearly visible to motorists by wearing bright clothes.
• Ride on bike paths - children are safer away from the road environment.
• Watch out for cars going in and out of driveways when riding on footpaths.
• Replace helmets that have been involved in an accident or dropped from a height, even if there is no visible damage.
• Maintain and check bikes on a regular basis.

• Bike riders are required to wear a securely and correctly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet.
• Helmets should have a sticker showing the Australian Standard AS 2063, AS/NZS 2063.
• A bicycle must have a bell, horn or similar warning device and at least one effective brake.
• When riding at night or in poor light, stay visible with front and rear lights and a rear red reflector.

Watch our video for tips on choosing a helmet.

How to choose the right bike

Stand your child over the bicycle with both feet on the ground. For medium or lightweight bikes there should be at least 2cm between the crotch and the crossbar (or where crossbar would be). For BMX and mountain bikes, there should be at least 5cm between the crotch and crossbar.

• Seat: adjusted to correct height and comfortable.
• Brakes: brake blocks should be fitted correctly and not worn down.
• Chain: oil frequently and check that the chain is not too loose.
• Tyres: look for bald spots, bulges and cuts. Tyres should not 'squash' when squeezed.
• Pedals: check that they spin freely.
• Bell or horn: should be loud enough for others to hear.
• Reflectors and lights: should be secure, properly aligned, clean and working.

• Children aged 12 or under can ride on footpaths, as can anyone older who is supervising them.
• Riders 13 years or older can only ride on footpaths if they’re accompanying and supervising a child under 13. 
• Riders aged 18 or older can ride on the footpath if they have a child in a child bike seat or pedalling on a hitch bike. There are limited medical or other exemptions.
• Help your children cross roads safely by walking bikes across roads and using pedestrian crossings.
• When riding, children should be facing forward and have both hands on the handlebars.
• Give way to pedestrians when bicycle riding.
• Bike riders need to follow all the same road rules as motorists.

e-bikes come in many of the same variations you find in a traditional bicycle, such as Mountain e-bikes, Commuter e-bikes and Cargo e-bikes.

Pedal assistance or ‘pedelec’

Pedal assistance e-bikes have a motor that only works while you pedal. The motor assists up to a maximum of 25kph (you can travel at speeds faster than this, but only using human pedal power).

By adjusting the display panel, the level of assistance can be altered to suit the riding conditions. For example, you may choose to have maximum assistance when riding up a hill and then turn off assistance altogether when riding on a flat road. To cut the power, you just stop pedalling or start braking.

Throttle Bikes

Throttle e-bikes allow you to use the electric motor to travel without the need to pedal. The throttle sits on the handlebars and gives a maximum power of 200 watts.

Considering adding an e-bike to your household? There are a few things to consider like the cost, type of e-bike and charging requirements.

Read our guide for choosing, owning and charging an e-bike. 

Watch our videos on:

• What is an e-bikes
• Benefits of e-bikes

Riders of e-bikes must follow Victoria's road rules for bicycle riders.