Bicycle NSW CEO Peter McLean has a message for parents about to hit the shops with an e-bike at the top of the wishlist.
“It is incredibly important that parents do the right thing and only purchase legal e-bikes,” says Peter. “This will help keep their children and the community safe, while enjoying all the benefits of e-mobility."
Bicycle NSW understands that buying an e-bike is confusing. This is not helped by inconsistent regulation and enforcement across Australia’s eight states and territories. Much of the advice available in the media and online is very muddled.
To make life easier for busy parents, we have compiled the need-to-know info for NSW residents.
Read on and find out:
- Why e-bikes need regulating
- The current rules for e-bikes in NSW
- Why non-compliant bikes should be avoided
- Why there are so many illegal devices on the streets
- How to choose a legal, safe e-bike
It is difficult to know if an electric bike complies with NSW regulations (Image: Bicycle NSW)
Why do e-bikes need to be regulated?
When e-bikes first arrived on the Australian market over 20 years ago, their motors meant they were effectively vehicles. To operate any vehicle, registration, a licence and insurance are required.
However, it was recognised that many e-bike models were low-powered and more like a bicycle than a motorbike.
Australia landed on an e-bike regulation that is aligned with the best-practice global standard EN15194. The power is limited. The motor must be pedal-assisted and cut out after 25km/h. Electrical safety and roadworthy-ness is assured.
“This was a good compromise,” says Peter McLean. “The rules allowed compliant e-bikes to be used as a bicycle, on bicycle infrastructure, by people of all ages wearing a standard bicycle helmet, without any registration or licencing.”
What is a legal e-bike in NSW?
The NSW regulations have evolved slightly from EN15194. There are now two important bits of legislation that apply to e-bikes.
Transport for NSW requires an electrically power-assisted cycle (EPAC) to have a maximum continued rated power of up to 500 watts.*
This power output must:
- progressively reduce as the bicycle’s speed increases
- cut off when the bicycle reaches a speed of 25km/h
- cut off if the rider stops pedalling
The rider must pedal for the motor to work. A throttle, if fitted, must stop working at 6km/h.
Any powered bicycle that has a maximum continued rated power over 500 watts*, a maximum speed under power above 25km/h or that can be ridden without pedalling is illegal to use on roads or road-related areas. This includes public places such as parks, bike paths, national parks, rail trails and beaches.
Very important update 1st December 2025: The NSW Government has announced that maximum continued rated power will be reduced to 250W, in line with other Australian and international jurisdictions. The updated rules are expected to take effect within months. Most quality e-bikes sold in NSW are already rated at 250W but it is important to check with the retailer if an e-bike will be legal in NSW after the change.
NSW Fair Trading has introduced another set of rules for electric bikes. New Product Safety Standards aim to reduce the risk of fires from low-quality batteries and chargers.
From 1st February 2026, e-micromobility devices and their associated lithium-ion batteries must be tested, certified and marked prior to sale in NSW.
Some bike models will meet the NSW Fair Trading fire safety standard without complying with the Transport for NSW e-bike rules. These devices will be legal to buy but not legal to ride in public places.
Bicycle NSW has compiled detailed information about e-bike regulations and battery safety, with links to relevant government websites.
***It is important to note that it is still illegal to ride a private e-scooter, e-skateboard or hoverboard of any type in a public place in NSW***
Why does it matter if an electric bike is non-compliant?
- Riding an unregistered and uninsured motor vehicle while unlicensed is a serious offence
Any electric bike that does not meet the e-bike requirements is considered an illegal e-motorbike. The police can seize the bike, and prosecute the rider. The fines start at $818 and go up fast if the police officers decide to add further penalties for riding an unregistered Class A vehicle with no license and no insurance.
While a blind eye has be turned to illegal devices over the last few years, the NSW Government plans to tighten up enforcement.
You and you children may not agree with the rules but that is not a reason to break them.
- Overpowered, modified and unregulated devices are dangerous
Tragically, four children have been killed while riding illegal electric bikes in Australia since July.
Inexperienced, risk-taking kids and teenagers on heavy, overpowered bikes, with little road sense or training and nothing but a bicycle helmet for protection, is a recipe for disaster.
Evidence shows that illegal e-device riders face a higher fatal crash risk than pedal cyclists.
Fast, heavy electric bikes are also dangerous for pedestrians and many older people fear being hit.
In addition, non-compliant devices may have low-quality components, such as the brakes, increasing the risks.
- Illegal electric bikes are not covered by insurance
If a person ends up in hospital after a crash involving an illegal bike, the financial implications are far-reaching. Successful civil claims overseas have resulted in parents losing their house due to negligence of allowing their child to ride an illegal electric bike.
Bicycle NSW Membership includes excellent comprehensive personal accident and public liability - but cover is voided if the bike is not legal for use on public roads.
- Non-compliant e-devices are a fire risk
Lithium-ion batteries have become one of the fastest growing causes of fire in NSW.
The main risk is with uncertified devices that may contain defects, inadequate safety provisioning and sub-standard parts. This can lead to short-circuiting, battery cell malfunctions or system faults. Devices modified using recycled parts can be the riskiest.
Why are there so many illegal devices on the streets?
Unfortunately, the federal government amended the Motor Vehicles Standards Act to remove e-bikes as a class of road vehicle in 2021. This has resulted in a flood of electric bike imports that are not tracked or declared.
The ‘anti-tampering’ clause, which prevents after-market modification to increase speeds and unlock throttles, was also removed.
Bike shops and online retailers have been able to sell these bikes with the proviso that they are only used on private land. Many parents do not realise they are illegal. Buyers often leave the shop completely confused about the rules – while clutching instructions on how to unlock their new bike’s throttle and dial up the speed.
Road legal e-bikes are lighter, easier to control and cheaper than many motorbike-inspired devices. Importantly, the standard seat means there is less temptation to a carry and endanger a mate (Image: Bicycle NSW)
How to choose a road legal e-bike
There are many excellent bike shops that only sell compliant e-bikes. Reputable retailers will provide great advice, as well as support with servicing the bike during its lifetime.
It is important to carefully check the manufacturer’s details and make sure the battery is from a well-known and reputable brand such as Bosch. Look for the EN15194 compliance sticker, and ask for a warranty.
Note that many road legal e-bikes be modified to unlock the throttle and speed limiter. If this happens, the bike will become an illegal, unregistrable motorbike. Parents must ensure that their children do not tamper with the shop settings.
A high-quality e-bike is not cheap. But a non-compliant device is very rarely cost-effective in the long run.
Can I still buy a fat-tyre bike?
Yes, as long as it has an unrestricted maximum continued rated motor power of 500 watts or less*, the motor cuts out above 25 km/h and the throttle does not function above 6 km/h.
However, there are very few road legal models of ‘fat bikes’. If the retailer claims a bike is legal, ask for written advice from Transport for NSW that the particular model is actually road legal.
If the motor is rated at a maximum over 500W*, the bike is illegal in NSW - even if it is restricted to 500W* at point of sale. Transport for NSW and NSW Police have confirmed that restricting the power of the more powerful motor by software, switches or other means does not make the ‘fat bike’ legal.
Bicycle NSW CEO Peter McLean and his family love the freedom and flexibility of e-bikes – but only fully compliant, safe models! (Image: Bicycle NSW)
“E-bikes are a very affordable and convenient sustainable transportation mode,” says Peter McLean. “Bicycle NSW is passionate about seeing a greater uptake of legal e-bikes and a rapid decline in illegal devices. This will help make our streets safer and more inclusive.”
“We also campaign relentlessly for lower speed limits on local roads and much more dedicated bike infrastructure on main roads so young people on e-bikes do not need to share crowded paths with pedestrians.”
Education is important too
Bicycle NSW is rolling out a schools bicycle license program with councils. Parents can help by discussing road rules and riding etiquette with their children, and laying ground rules about how and where their e-bikes are used.
“Our roads, paths and public spaces are here to share,” says Peter McLean. “Riding irresponsibly and too fast is not respectful and it's against the law, so let’s ride safe and ride legal this Christmas and into the future.”
*Update (2 Dec 2025): NSW plans to cap maximum power for road legal e-bikes at 250 Watts (down from 500W) to match other states. Stay up to date via the Transport for NSW website.
Bicycle NSW will help protect your family
Household Membership includes 2 adults of any age, and up to 6 dependents who live in the same household. For $189.50 per year, you will all be covered by best-in-class comprehensive personal accident and third-party public liability insurance.
Members also benefit from legal support and help our advocacy for better bike infrastructure.
For more information on our work influencing e-bike policy and regulations on the ground for e-mobility advocacy, visit the Transforming Transport with E-Mobility campaign page.
