bicycle riders do not need to adhere to all the same traffic laws as a motor vehicle.

The ADRs contain the following definitions for bicycles and mopeds:

Road vehicles in Australia must comply with all applicable Australian Design Rules (ADRs) before they can be supplied to the market for use in transport (Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 Cwth). The state of Victoria is the first to amend it's local road rules, see below. This means the e-bike can have a motor of 250,W of continuous rated power which can only be activated by pedalling (if above 6 km/h) and must cut out over 25 km/h – if so it is classed as a normal bicycle.

Since, Australia has an additional new e-bike category using the European Union model of a pedelec as per the CE EN15194 standard. There is no license and no registration required for e-bike use. Some states have their own rules such as no riding under electric power on bike paths and through built-up areas so riders should view the state laws regarding their use. Each state is responsible for deciding how to treat such a vehicle and currently all states agree that such a vehicle does not require licensing or registration. In Australia, the e-bike is defined by the Australian Vehicle Standards as a bicycle that has an auxiliary motor with a maximum power output not exceeding 250 W without consideration for speed limits or pedal sensors. Consequently any particular e-bike may be subject to different classifications and regulations in different jurisdictions. Some classify pedelecs as being distinct from other bicycles using electric power. Jurisdictions may address 'power-assisted bicycles' (Canada) or 'electric pedal-assisted cycles' (European Union and United Kingdom) or simply 'electric bicycles'. Systems of classification and nomenclature vary. Some countries have national regulations with additional regional regulations for each state, province, or municipality. The members of the European Union and other regions have wider-ranging legislation covering use and safety. Some jurisdictions have regulations governing safety requirements and standards of manufacture. Many countries have enacted electric vehicle laws to regulate the use of electric bicycles, also termed e-bikes.

Bicycle riders do not need to adhere to all the same traffic laws as a motor vehicle.