A push for mandatory licensing and registration for all e-bikes is gaining momentum on the Northern Beaches, with some schools taking matters into their own hands by introducing a number plate system for students.
Last month, the NSW Government announced new rules for e-bike use, but stopped short of introducing licensing and registration, arguing such measures could discourage young people from riding to school and limit their independence. Transport for NSW (TfNSW) has made it clear it has no appetite for registering electric bikes or introducing licensing.
That position has drawn criticism from local representatives, including all Northern Beaches MPs, who say the risks are too great to ignore.
Member for Pittwater Jacqui Scruby said concerns about e-bike use are among the most common issues raised by constituents, involving riders of all ages, not just young people.
“I do think it needs to be broader than just school age,” she said.
“We know age restrictions will not necessarily work.
“This strikes the balance where you have to go through this process, licensing, registration, ride the bike.”
Scruby said a formal system would also make it easier for authorities to enforce rules and would reduce instances like the damage cause at Long Reef Golf Course.
“Police can easily identify which bike is legal because it is registered, and it can also allow them to follow up if there is any anti-social behaviour,” she said.
Local MPs, E-Bike Safety Australia and St Luke’s Grammar held a press conference today about its licensing program. Photo: Kim Smee
“It needs regulation, because the risks are high.”
She pointed to serious incidents already occurring.
“The risks include kids as young as 16 being charged with manslaughter.
“They include children and adults dying.
“We had someone from Mona Vale die on an E bike the other day.”
While the proposed rules have faced criticism, with some calling them a “nanny state” approach, those backing the changes say costs would be minimal and could even help fund improvements to bike infrastructure.
“There is a big role for private operators as well to reduce the burden on government systems to be able to have this rolled out more broadly,” said Scruby.
“There are [push] bicycles if people do not want to go through this process.”
While the debate continues at a state level, local schools are already taking action.
Several Northern Beaches schools have partnered with E-Bike Safety Australia to introduce a licensing-style system, making it compulsory for their students who want to ride to school.
At St Luke’s Grammar, Principal Geoff Lancaster said the program has improved accountability.
Since 2024, the school has had a ‘contract’, requiring students to complete online road safety training before bringing their e-bike to campus, but Lancaster said it was difficult to patrol.
“The course that E bike Safety Australia have put together actually allows us to partner with them and make it a little bit more accountable for students,” he said.
“So, we can guarantee they have actually done the training before they get issued with their licence.”
Since February, students at the Dee Why based private school have also been required to wear number plates or e-tags to be approved to ride.
Dean of Students Gabby Smith said the system mirrors the process of learning to drive.
“They have to now do a test, get 100% in that test in order to be able to get the E tags on their bikes,” she said.
Despite some initial resistance, Lancaster said the program has largely been accepted.
“There has obviously been a little bit of pushback from some of the teenagers about reduced freedom, but they can take the plates off on the weekends.
“They are not totally fixed onto the bikes, but we encourage them to leave them on.”
Students themselves say the program is helping improve safety awareness and has given them confidence on the road.
Year 11 student Jude said: “It is very similar to the L’s test that you have to do for driving, so you are learning the exact same rules that someone who is driving a car would learn.”
Fellow student Joey said: “It made me feel more accountable for myself, and the course just taught me a couple of really important rules.”
One of the key arguments against licensing has been cost, but advocates say that barrier is overstated.
Director of E-Bike Safety Australia Ben Horwood said: “Government keeps coming out saying there is big costs associated with registration and licensing for E bikes.
“We have managed to implement this using the current Department of Education infrastructure to make it a low cost and effective and scalable program, which we could essentially roll out to the whole of the east coast of New South Wales in a matter of weeks.”
Member for Wakehurst Michael Regan said the comparison with other licensing systems highlights the inconsistency.
“It is not too hard.
“If you are 12 years of age, you can get a boat license.
“If you can get a boat license at 12, then why should you not get an E bike license?
“It is providing far more freedom to far more people, and we need it,” he said
“I think that point alone is reason why government needs to change their attitude and change their mind.”
With schools already demonstrating a working model, pressure is mounting on the NSW Government to reconsider its stance for all e-bike users.
