NSW e‑bike safety standards update

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.