With such a wide variety of e-bikes available in Australia these days, here are some tips on how to choose an e-bike!
Key points
- Learn the NSW laws around e-bikes (Both Fair Trading and Transport for NSW regulations)
- Know the fire hazards around e-bike use and plan accordingly
- Find a reputable brand of e-bike that you like riding and is easy to get serviced
- Insure your bike
1. Learn the NSW laws around e-bikes
The NSW Government has been updating its laws around e-bikes as a response to new technology. Just because you can buy an e-bike at a shop, this does not mean it is legally allowed on public roads / spaces.
a) What is legal to BUY
An e-bike is defined as a bicycle:
- with a maximum continuous rated power not exceeding 250 watts*.
- is built to be propelled by human power through a belt, chain or gears;
- is equipped with one or more auxiliary propulsion motors;
- cannot be propelled exclusively by the motor or motors except in "startup assistance mode";
- contains or is powered by a rechargeable lithium battery;
- NOT defined as a road vehicle in the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018
All e-micromobility devices must be labelled certified as per Fair Trading regulations.
*The 500W is moving to 250W limit in 2026 so we recommend purchasing to the new guidelines.
b) What is legal to RIDE
There are rules for what can be ridden in public space including paths and roads. This is managed by Transport for NSW.
A legal e-bikes must:
- fulfil the European standard EN15194*
- have a maximum continued rated power of up to 250 watts*
- This power output must:
- cut off when your bicycle reaches a speed of 25km/h ,
- cut off when you stop pedalling and the speed exceeds 6km/h,
- progressively reduce as the bicycle’s speed increases beyond 6km/h.
Throttles are not allowed (unless you have a medical exemption, or your bike is very low powered, ie. cannot reach 25km/h).
*The NSW Government changed the definition of a legal e-bike and reinstated the European safety and quality standard EN-15194 in March 2026. From 1 March 2029 only EN-15194 certified e-bikes will be legal on NSW roads. Although there is a 3-year transition period, Bicycle NSW strongly encourages anyone buying a new e-bike in 2026 to choose a model that complies with EN-15194.
Check out the Bicycle NSW list of brands manufacturing EN-15194 certified e-bikes to help you choose a safe and legal e-bike.
Stay up to date on the changing regulations via the excellent FAQs on Transport for NSW website.
Our Towards safe and legal e-bikes in NSW page has details on the new e-bike definition, what is currently legal, the changes to the regulations, the transition period, compliance stickers, Bicycle NSW’s position on e-bike issues and our ongoing e-mobility advocacy work.
From 1 November 2025: Modified e-bikes are no longer allowed on Sydney Trains, NSW TrainLink or Metro services.
2. Know the fire hazards around e-bike use
E-bikes commonly contain lithium-ion batteries and come with associated risks and hazards (including fire and explosion, radiation, heat, chemical and electrical). These incidents are increasing as the popularity of e-bikes increases.
- Do NOT tamper with your device. This includes using different chargers or modifying the battery or bike.
- Charge your battery in a fire-safe situation (NOT where you sleep, NOT in the exit of your home)
- Do NOT leave your charging battery unsupervised. Charge when you are awake.
- Do NOT throw old batteries / e-bikes in the trash. They can cause fires in rubbish trucks. Take any batteries and e-waste to your local council for proper disposal.
3. Find a reputable brand of e-bike that you like and is easy to get serviced
- You should always test-ride any bike before purchase to make sure that you are comfortable and like the way it rides.
- Get to know a convenient bike shop that will service the bike in the future. Sometimes people have bought a cheaper bike online, only to find out that their bike has parts that cannot be serviced easily in Australia.
- Ensure the battery brand is from a well-known and reputable electricity brand eg. Bosch. This will also make sure that it is easier to fix if there are any issues.
- We recommend going to a reputable bike store - such as one that specialises in bicycles including a range of road bikes and children's bikes. Reputable e-bikes including those that fit the European Standard EN15194 will usually have an adjustable height saddle.
4. Insure your e-bike (optional)
Many people investing in an e-bike, decide to insure their e-bike for peace of mind as it can be quite a costly purchase. The benefits are plentiful, with convenience, sustainability and long term health at front of mind.
Bicycle NSW is in continual discussions with NSW Government about e-bike regulation and policy.
For the latest updates on this work, head to our Transforming Transport with E-Mobility campaign page.