E-bike throttles can be ‘unlocked’ to bypass lawful 25km/h speed limits

There are currently no age limit restrictions on the hidden modification, which can be made on some vehicles by simply sending off an email.

The hidden feature allows users to unlock speeds more than double the legal limit. Picture: NewsWire/ Monique Harmer

Electronic-bike riders can bypass the legal speed limit on their vehicles at the press of a button, despite the devices being legally bound to 25km/h on public roads.

Local e-bike brand DiroDi is one of several brands allowing its customers to unlock the throttle for private use, a step approved by sending an email to DiroDi’s customer care team, Nine News reports.

Customers are emailed a code after providing written confirmation they won’t ride on public roads, according to the company’s “Knowledge” section.

E-bikes are generally legal most Australian states under specific motor conditions on public roads. Picture: NewsWire/ Monique Harmer

This section outlines a step-by-step process to unlock the throttle, where a disclaimer reads: “Riding the bike with an unlocked throttle on public roads is illegal, so please remember to put back the limit before riding the bike on public roads.”

A video linked to the guide shows a person demonstrating how to unlock the throttle.

The legality of e-bikes varies from state to state.

In NSW, power-assisted pedal cycles and electrically power-assisted cycles are allowed as both require the motor to be secondary to another power source.

E-bikes that do not meet the state’s specific requirements are illegal for use in public but may be used on private property.

A YouTube account named DiroDiTechSupport posted a video on how to unlock the throttle. Picture: YouTube

There is no age limit on the speed changes applied to DiroDi vehicles, Nine News reports.

However, the company said riders will have to be aged 16 and above from June 2025 or have a parent sign-off on the off-road use disclaimer before the code is provided.

The increasing popularity of e-bikes has sparked concern for children’s safety after two Sydney hospitals recorded a spike in incidents in 2024.

The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and Sydney Children’s Hospital at Randwick recorded 48 cases of injuries related to e-bikes and e-scooters, with five children injured after being hit as a pedestrian by an e-bike or e-scooter in 2024.

Westmead Hospital recorded a horror 300 per cent increase in hospitalisations of children due to accidents on e-bikes or e-scooters in the same period, The Daily Telegraph revealed in February.

DiroDi has been contacted by NewsWire for comment.

Originally published as E-bike throttles can be ‘unlocked’ to bypass lawful 25km/h speed limits