Expertise

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, have exploded in popularity across New South Wales, offering an affordable, eco-friendly and fun way to get around cities like Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong. But rising use has also brought safety concerns, legal confusion, and a raft of new laws designed to keep riders and pedestrians safe. What is a legal e-bike in NSW? Under NSW law, an e-bike is treated as a bicycle, but with specific technical standards: The motor must be pedal-assisted only, meaning the motor helps only while you pedal. The motor must cut out when the bike reaches 25 km/h. Maximum continuous motor power is being reduced and aligned with national standards to 250 watts . E-bikes that don’t meet these criteria may not be suitable for riding on roads or shared footpaths. Road rules still apply Even if your e-bike is legal to own and ride, you must still follow normal road and path rules, including: Riders must wear an approved helmet . You must obey all applicable NSW road rules , including those about mobile phones, traffic signals, and riding on paths and shared spaces. Legal e-bikes must essentially behave like bicycles, meaning motor assistance must cut out at 25 km/h and you cannot use throttle-only propulsion above walking speed. Age restrictions under consideration Safety concerns , particularly around injuries to younger riders, mean that NSW is examining minimum age limits for e-bike use which includes possibly setting a minimum age (possibly between 12 and 16) for riding e-bikes. The aim is to curb risky behaviour and reduce serious accidents involving children on high-powered or modified e-bikes. Crackdown on illegal e-bikes One of the biggest legal shifts in 2026 is a crackdown on non-compliant and high-powered e-bikes. These crackdown operations are currently being carried out by NSW Police . What happens if you ride an illegal e-bike? Riding a non-compliant e-bike can attract fines. It as anticipated that consequences may expand with new legislative changes and e-bike riders should keep themselves informed of their rights and obligations under the law. As authorities have emphasised, the crackdown isn’t just punitive, it’s about safety and ensuring e-bikes are a sustainable mode of transport, not a source of harm. Looking ahead Due to increasing popularity and uptake of e-bikes in NSW and the associated dangers of e-bike use, it is anticipated that there are still changes to come in regard to the use of e-bikes. As discussed, this may include minimum age requirements or other methods of keeping track of people who own and operate e-bikes. Whether you’re commuting, exercising or just enjoying a ride through your local neighbourhood, understanding these laws helps you stay safe and legal, and make the most of your e-bike experience. If you’re unsure whether your e-bike meets legal requirements, check the manufacturer’s specifications against the NSW government criteria, and consider professional advice on compliance. If you, or somebody you know, have been injured while riding your electric (or non-electric) bike or scooter, and need help or advice navigating rights and entitlements to compensation, please reach out, we are here to help and are only a phone call or online enquiry away. Our experienced personal injury team offers a FREE, no-obligation consultation to assess whether you may be entitled to make a claim. If you decide to proceed, our services are provided on a no win, no fee basis. Contact us today to discuss your options.

The occurrence of fatal road accidents are a tragic reality of people using our roads to travel and get around. Sadly earlier this week a cyclist in Dapto was allegedly struck by a bus and died due to his injuries. The outcome of an accident like this has consequences, not just for the untimely death of the cyclist but also for their family and persons who may have witnessed the fatal accident at the scene. Although it is reported that no one else was physical injured in this incident, it is possible that people may suffer a psychological injury as a result of having witnessed a tragic event such as this. Even close family members of a deceased person injured in a motor vehicle accident may suffer a psychological injury as a result of their untimely and tragic death. Psychological injuries may not be as obvious or visible as physical injuries and people who suffer psychological injuries may not realise they have sustained any injury unless and until they seek the opinion of a qualified medical practitioner or psychologist. People who have suffered a physical or psychological injury as a result of a motor vehicle accident may be entitled to compensation. This may also include people who have witnessed a motor vehicle accident that has resulted in a serious or fatal injury to another person or family members to a person injured or killed in a motor vehicle accident. If you or somebody you know has witnessed a tragic motor vehicle accident that has resulted in the death or serious injury of another person and believe that as a result, you may have suffered a psychological injury, you should discuss your potential rights and entitlements to compensation with our team of compensation lawyers. Your potential entitlements to compensation may include: payment of your regular weekly salary while you recover treatment expenses a claim for pain and suffering where you may not be able to return to work indefinitely, a claim for your future economic loss. It is important that you seek legal advice early with respect to your rights and entitlements to motor accident claims, especially within the first three months since the date of the injury. Being involved in or witnessing a road accident can be overwhelming and upsetting. At Kells, we understand what you’re going through and are here to help. Speak with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers for guidance on your options and whether you may be entitled to a claim. Our services are offered on a no win, no fee basis, with a free initial consultation, so you can focus on your recovery. Have questions or need legal guidance?

In the last few years, the number of people who own and operate electric bikes and scooters has risen. As these electric bikes and scooters become more affordable many people are choosing to upgrade from their previously non-electric counterparts to speed up their method of transport. Not to mention, these electric bikes and scooters can be fun. Although there has always been the possibility of road accidents for non-electric bikes and scooters – many of us now ask ourselves – ‘are these electric bikes and scooters more dangerous than the non-electric ones’? Although this a complex question and not one that this article will answer the reality is – what are your legal rights and entitlements if you are involved in an accident and injured while riding an electric bike or scooter. Fortunately, in New South Wales, if you have been injured in an accident while riding your electric bike or scooter (or even if you were a passenger) or if you have been injured as a result of being in an accident with an electric bike or scooter – you may be entitled to compensation. Your potential entitlements to compensation may include: payment of your regular weekly salary while you recover; treatment expenses; a claim for pain and suffering; and where you may not be able to return to work indefinitely, a claim for your future economic loss. Road accidents can be serious and lifechanging. It is important that you seek legal advice early with respect to your rights and entitlements to motor accident claims, especially within the first three months since the date of your injury. Here at Kells, our compensation team is always ready and happy to help people with advice that they need to navigate their rights and entitlements after an injury. If you, or somebody you know, have been injured while riding your electric (or non-electric) bike or scooter, and need help or advice navigating rights and entitlements to compensation, please reach out – we are here to help and are only a phone call or online enquiry away.