However, e-bike conversion kits have been derailed
Following its proposal for a blanket ban in July, the NSW Government has announced that most e-bikes are still welcome on trains.
Only DIY kits that convert regular bikes to e-bikes will be banned from Sydney Trains, NSW Trainlink and Metro services, starting from 1st November 2025.
A very positive outcome for e-bike riders
“Bicycle NSW has been working tirelessly, both publicly and behind the scenes, with the NSW Government and many other stakeholders,” says Bicycle NSW CEO Peter McLean.
“We are proud to have secured a very positive outcome for present and future e-bike riders. Data has been analysed, risks assessed and surveys undertaken to ensure that an evidence-based decision was made.”
Bicycle NSW CEO Peter McLean celebrates the good news for e-bike owners. Peter lives in southwest Sydney and often takes his e-bike on the train after a 10km ride to Campbelltown Station (Image: Bicycle NSW)
As Minster for Transport John Graham said: “The overwhelming message from the consultation was that banning all e-bikes from trains would go too far. Taking out the highest risk e-bikes is a sensible and balanced step.”
“Bicycle NSW thanks the NSW Government for listening to the community and keeping e-bikes on track so more riders, of all ages, abilities and socio-economic backgrounds, can combine micromobility with public transport for efficient, affordable trips,” says Peter McLean.
The problem with conversion kits
An e-bike conversion kit is generally an aftermarket DIY product which is retrofitted onto a traditional non-powered bicycle. The kits are often connected by tape, zip ties or wire brackets. They often have poor wiring and battery systems and can cost as little as $50. The resulting e-devices often don’t require pedalling and can exceed the 25km speed limit -making then not only a fire hazard but also illegal.
Although some kits are well-made and safe, Bicycle NSW acknowledges that most conversion kits are very poor quality. They have caused lithium-ion battery fires in and around trains in Australia, as well as a number of residential fires.
“These DIY kit devices are behind the lion’s share of incidents and fires to date,” says Peter McLean. “They have the potential to cause significant public safety hazards on trains.
“Bicycle NSW therefore supports the NSW Government’s proportionate response to target a temporary ban on these kit devices while developing much better standards and definitions at both a state and federal level.
"We have spoken with stakeholders in Victoria and we are equally confident that a positive and proportionate response will be achieved by our neighbours."
Happy Bicycle NSW advocates at Central Station. Bike Planner Sarah Bickford does not own a car and lives in a hilly suburb 10km from a train station. She relies on a multi-modal combination of e-bike, train, metro, light rail and ferry for trips across Sydney and beyond (Image: Bicycle NSW)
This isn’t the end of the story
Improved and nationally consistent e-bike definitions and regulations are urgently needed in Australia.
Bicycle NSW has long advocated for the Australian Government to stem the flood of poor quality, over-powered e-bikes and scooters. We recently joined the other peak bicycle advocacy organisations to write a letter to the Australian Government, asking for reinstatement of the EN15194 standard for all e-bikes imported into Australia (successful as of 21 Nov 2025!). And we support NSW Fair Trading’s new point-of-sale Information Standard and the imminent mandatory safety standards.
This ongoing work will ensure that more and more of Australia’s e-bikes will be safe and legal. We can then continue to realise all of the well-known benefits of e-bikes while significantly minimising the risk from non-compliant, over-powered devices with poor quality electrical systems.
Become a safe e-bike ambassador
Bicycle NSW needs your help to spread the message about the importance of buying safe devices and using them considerately:
- Encourage friends and family to only purchase safe and legal e-bikes. Safe standards include EN15194 or UL2849.
- Educate people in your networks on the dangers of DIY kit e-bike conversions. You may also like to notify transport staff if you see one of these devices on NSW trains.
- Try to avoid peak hour when using a train with any bicycle, and join carriages which are less busy. These are often the first and last carriages.
The new Mariyung fleet trains have excellent dedicated bike storage areas. Thankfully, most e-bikes are still welcome to use them! (Image: Bicycle NSW)
Support our work to transform transport with e-mobility
Bicycle NSW is the only bicycle advocacy group based in NSW with full-time staff advocating every day for all riders. Our small team is dedicated to making NSW better for bike riding.
But did you know that we are funded only by membership fees and donations?
Join a Bicycle NSW today and help us push for better policy and regulation for e-bikes.
Together we can achieve so much more.
Our Members also ride easy, covered by our comprehensive insurance, and enjoy many other Member-only benefits.
If you are not ready to join the Bicycle NSW family, then we would love you to make a donation to the Australian Bicycle Advocacy Fund.
