Children under 12 and possibly up to the age of 16 would be banned from riding e-bikes under new changes flagged by the NSW Government today.
The New South Wales Government has announced a major shake-up of e-bike laws, flagging plans for new age restrictions, tighter safety standards and a phase-out of high-powered models currently on the roads, as the state moves to align with European Union standards.
With an estimated 760,000 e-bikes in use across NSW, the government admits the reforms will not happen overnight, but says the reset is necessary.
The most significant change is expected to be a minimum age for riders.
While the exact figure has not yet been locked in, it will sit somewhere between 12 and 16 years old.
The government said it would also be reviewing whether children should be allowed to carry passengers.
At a press conferences attended my Manly Observer this morning, NSW Transport Minister John Graham said: “At the moment it is legal for a primary school kid with no peripheral vision who can barely lift one of these bikes to ride it on NSW streets.
“We want kids on bikes, but we do not want them hurting themselves.”
Mr Graham indicated he would prefer the restrictions on to apply only to younger children acknowledging the realities in regional areas where some teenagers rely on e-bikes to get to school.
Regardless, he confirmed it would be a one size fits all.
“It has got to be one set of rules across NSW,” he said.
Fines for underage riders are being considered, with the government yet to settle on a figure that strikes the right balance between deterrence and reason.
In NSW, penalties relating to illegal e-bikes already start at $818, while offences such as riding without a helmet or using a mobile phone can cost upwards of $410.
By comparison, in Western Australia, where riders must be at least 16 to use an e-bike, children caught riding underage face a $50 fine.
Enforcement is expected to rely heavily on “common sense” policing, along with cooperation from parents and schools, given young riders do not typically carry ID.
“Police should not have to do this alone,” Mr Graham said.
“We are looking at what transport officials can do.”
While the age limit could be introduced in the near term, the more significant structural shift is Australia’s formal adoption of the European EN15194 standard, widely regarded as the global benchmark for e-bike safety.
Under that standard, motor output is capped at 250 watts, the motor must cut out unless the rider is pedalling beyond 6km/h, and strict electrical, battery and fire safety requirements apply.
It also includes anti-tampering provisions, placing the onus on manufacturers to take all reasonable steps to prevent riders from modifying their bikes speed or power settings.
As a result, the previously higher threshold of 500 watts, permitted under the former government, will be phased out by 1 March 2029.
“That three-year period is about the average life of an e-bike,” Mr Graham said.
“But after three years, if they can’t be made safe, they will not be allowed on the road.”
The government has already announced seizure and crushing powers for illegal bikes, a move Mr Graham said has proven effective in Western Australia.
“Some manufacturers, some retailers are making money by breaking the law and they know what they are doing.”
Industry groups have welcomed the move to align with European standards.
Peter McLean, CEO of Bicycles NSW, said: “It is the gold standard for e-bikes across the world, making them safe, of course compliant and high quality.”
Mark Eedle, Director of Bicycle Industries NSW, said: “If they have one that is EN15194 compliant, they know it is both safe and of good quality.”
But Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby is still pushing for mandatory registration of legal e-bikes, arguing it would make illegal models easier to identify and ensure riders can be held accountable when incidents occur, including the case at Long Reef Golf Course.
“It is simply not a big deal.
“Similar to a boat license, which can be obtained from the age of 12, if you are riding a motorised bike, you should know the road rules and be held accountable for your actions.”
Mr Graham said he is cautious about introducing licensing or registration requirements for what is, in many cases, still an ordinary bike.
“We probably do not want to make that simple part of childhood too complicated,” he said.
The government also emphasised “continued investment” in cycling infrastructure, noting that in areas like the Northern Beaches e-bikes have become a practical way for people to get around.
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