E-bikes are becoming increasingly popular, especially in NSW and amongst young people. It is important to be aware of the laws relating to e-bikes in NSW, particularly if riding them on the road, to ensure your safety, to ensure the safety of others, and to avoid any penalties. If you are wondering what the law says about e-bikes in NSW, read our article below.
What e-bikes are legal to ride on NSW roads?
A legal e-bike must have all of the following features:
- 500W maximum continuous power (a maximum of 250W from 1 March 2029)
- A motor that does not provide power at speeds higher than 25km/h.
- Throttle-only (motor without pedalling) function that cuts out at 6km/h.
An e-bikes that does not fit these requirements is illegal. This is the case even if the e-bikes power or speed is restricted by an app or switch.
It is also important to understand that hacking or tampering with your e-bike may make it illegal.
An illegal e-bike has any of the following features:
- More than 500W maximum continuous power (more than 250W from 2029)
- A throttle-only (motor without pedalling) function over 6km/h
- A motor that continues to provide power above 25 km/h.
Riding an e-bike
E-bike riders must follow the same road rules that apply to regular bicycles:
- You must wear an approved helmet securely fitted and fastened.
- You must not carry more people than the bike is designed for. Any passengers must also wear an approved, fitted and fastened helmet.
- If you’re 16 years or older and not supervising a child under 16 years riding a bike, you can’t ride on the footpath.
Legal e-bikes can be ridden on shared paths (but must give way to pedestrians), shared zones (unless signposted otherwise and only to 10km/hr), bicycle paths, bicycle lanes and roads (unless there is a ‘no bicycle’ sign).
Legal e-bikes cannot be ridden on footpaths, unless under 16 or an adult accompanying the person is under 16 (with some exceptions, see here for more information: Where to ride bicycles, e-bikes and other wheeled devices in NSW | NSW Government).
Electric scooters
It is currently illegal to ride privately owned e-scooters in public places in NSW, except shared e-scooters in designated shared e-scooter trial sites.
Traffic offences
You can be penalised if you commit a traffic offence while riding an e-bike. Bicycle riders have the same rights and responsibilities as other NSW road users.
Laws specific to bicycle riders include:
- Negligent riding: You can be charged with an offence if you ride a bicycle in a negligent or dangerous manner. Negligent riding means riding that endangers the life of yourself or others.
- Drink riding: You can be charged with an offence if you ride a bicycle while under the influence of alcohol. The offence carries imprisonment as a maximum penalty.
- Not wearing a helmet: You may be fined if you are riding a bicycle without an approved helmet securely fitted and fastened on your head.
Penalties for bicycle offences are usually issued by a Police Officer and are issued on the spot. A police officer may ask you your name, address and other personal details to verify your identity.
Written by Ruby Bickford.
