New Zealand Electric
Bike Regulation Guide
New Zealand Electric Bike Regulation Guide
A GUIDE TO QUIETKAT ELECTRIC BIKES AND NZ E-BIKE LAWS
Sold in NZ as Private Land Use Only vehicles
Due to the maximum output of their electric motors, QuietKat e-bikes are sold in New Zealand as Private Land Use only vehicles.
In New Zealand, the maximum power output of an e-bike motor for public road and trail use is 300w. QuietKat e-bikes feature higher-output motors: 500w (Villager), 1000w (Ranger), and 1000w (Apex Pro and Sport).
QuietKat's e-bikes feature VPO Technology. This clever feature allows users to limit the maximum speed and switch the throttle of the e-bike off. VPO was designed — mainly for US riders — to help them stay compliant on the different trails and roads, while still having access to the unadulterated power of their QuietKat in areas where there are no restrictions.
While New Zealand’s e-bike laws do not restrict maximum speed or throttle use, the VPO features can help reduce the power output for riders who are building confidence on their electric bike or wish to restrict the power for use in certain terrain or zones or want to co-exist with analogue bikes.
Resources
The NZ Electric Bike Review website has a great article explaining NZ laws and how to stay compliant when on roads and trails. Visit electricbikesnz.com.
Waka Kotahi has guidelines on Electric Bikes. Visit nzta.govt.nz.
