The NSW Government recognises that e-micromobility devices, when used safely, offer an accessible and sustainable way for people to travel.
They are increasingly helping people stay active, spend more time outdoors and build independence. At the same time, we understand the growing concerns in the community as e-bikes become increasingly popular across NSW, especially among teenagers.
With around 600,000 NSW households now owning an e-bike, parents are being encouraged to check that any device being bought for a young rider is safe, compliant and appropriate.
To improve safety, the Government will reduce the maximum legal power output of e-bikes in NSW to 250 watts, bringing the state back into line with all other Australian jurisdictions. This reverses a previous change that increased the limit to 500 watts, which contributed to a rise in high-powered devices that can be unsafe for children and difficult for parents and police to identify. Reducing the power limit will help ensure devices used by young people behave like pedal-assisted bicycles, not small electric motorbikes.
The Government is also reviewing the definition of an e-bike in the road rules to close loopholes that currently allow motorcycle-level devices to be sold and used as though they are bicycles. This will make it clearer for families, retailers and enforcement agencies to identify legal devices.
These state reforms complement national action. The Commonwealth Government has committed to reinstating import requirements ensuring that e-bikes sold in Australia meet the European EN 15194 safety and quality standard. This will help prevent low-quality, easily modified and unsafe devices from entering the country. These updated rules are expected to take effect within months following consultation with retailers and the community to support a smooth transition.
Parents purchasing an e-bike are encouraged to look for:
• EN 15194 certification or a clear sticker
• A motor output of no more than 250 watts
• A reputable brand with appropriate safety documentation
• A model that has not been modified, “chipped”, or had its speed limiter removed
Parents are also encouraged to speak with their children about responsible riding, including wearing a helmet, not carrying passengers, sticking to bike paths and roads where permitted, and never modifying a device to go faster.
The e-bikes currently permitted on NSW roads must already meet set power and speed limits and rely primarily on pedal power. The high-powered “fat bikes” that are causing concern do not rely on pedal assistance and are illegal on roads, footpaths, cycleways and shared paths, and may only be used on private property.
We acknowledge community frustration when riders do not follow the NSW Road Rules. Riders of bicycles and compliant e-bikes must follow the same rules as drivers, with additional requirements such as wearing a helmet, only carrying passengers the bike is designed for, and—if aged 16 and over—not riding on the footpath except in specific permitted circumstances. When ridden correctly and within the rules, compliant e-bikes do not present a significant safety risk.
Enforcement of these rules is the responsibility of NSW Police, including issuing penalties and seizing illegal devices. Transport for NSW is reviewing existing legislation to ensure these powers remain effective as e-micromobility use grows. Riders of non-compliant e-bikes can face significant penalties for riding an unregistered, uninsured vehicle while unlicensed. Transport for NSW is also working with Police on new roadside testing technologies and providing additional funding for targeted enforcement of unsafe behaviours.
NSW Fair Trading has introduced a new information standard requiring sellers to provide clear consumer information at the point of sale, including local laws. In addition, new national battery safety standards will require all e-bike batteries sold from 1 February 2026 to be tested, certified and marked before sale, with penalties of up to $825,000 for breaches. The Government is also investigating appropriate insurance options to support both riders and the wider community.
Education remains a key priority. Transport for NSW provides extensive resources on safe riding, the road rules and sharing spaces safely. Schools have access to specialist road safety educators, the ‘On the Move’ website, and teaching materials for students and families. Further initiatives under development include an e-micromobility education toolkit for local communities, an updated communications strategy co-designed with young people, and new online learning and testing modules for younger riders.
Maryanne Stuart, Member for Heathcote, said:
“As e-bikes become increasingly popular in the Heathcote electorate, the risks associated with their misuse also grow. I acknowledge the safety concerns these bikes can pose when they are not used responsibly.
“That’s why the Minns Labor Government is moving forward with practical measures to reduce harm in our community, including lowering the maximum power of e-bikes from 500W to 250W.
“I encourage parents and families to speak with their children about safe and responsible e-bike use, including wearing a helmet, not carrying passengers, sticking to bike paths and roads where permitted, and never modifying a device to go faster.”
MEDIA: Lachlan Wilkinson | Maryanne Stuart MP | 9548 0144
