A boy's death in an e-bike crash on New Year's Eve has prompted scrutiny of relevant Tasmanian laws, as advocates say there is confusion about what an e-bike actually is.

Police believe the 15-year-old is the first Tasmanian to have died in a crash involving an electric bicycle.

However, there have been multiple deaths and injuries involving e-bike riders and pedestrians on the mainland in recent years.

Tasmania Police at the scene on Don Head Road on Thursday. (ABC News)

Governments around the country have responded by making specific laws regulating how fast they can travel, who can ride them, and where they can be ridden.

And in November, the federal government announced changes that would standardise what is allowed to be imported into Australia and sold as an e-bike.

In all jurisdictions, a helmet must be worn while using an e-bike. (ABC News: Abubakr Sajid)

Police continuing to investigate teen's 'tragic' death

Speaking on New Year's Day after the boy's death, Inspector Nick Clark said Tasmanians needed to be aware there were existing laws relevant to e-bike riding.

It is not yet known if the boy was wearing a helmet, although police said one was found at the scene, or whether what he was riding met the legal definition of an e-bike.

"He was only 15 years old, so this is tragic,"

Inspector Nick Clark said.

The federal government has announced changes to standardise what is allowed to be imported into Australia and sold as an e-bike. (ABC South West WA: Pip Waller )

An age limit in Tasmania applies to e-scooters and e-skateboards, under laws brought in for personal mobility devices in 2021, but not to e-bikes. 

In a statement, Tasmania Police said there was no age limit in relation to e-bikes — but they must be pedal-assisted, and motor power must be no more than 200 watts for power-assisted pedal cycles, or no more than 250 watts with pedal assist that cuts out by 25 km/h.