E-Bike FAQs

E-bikes are powered by rechargeable batteries with a motor to provide electric assist while pedalling making hills and everyday trips much easier.

The rider must primarily propel these bikes – a motor can't be the only source propelling it. The motor should only help the rider, like when going uphill or facing strong winds.

E-bikes powered up to 500W are currently legal to ride on NSW roads. E-bikes over 500W are not legal to ride on public roads.

Across Australia, legal e-bikes must have a motor that cuts out when it reaches 25km/h or when pedalling stops. Any throttle (or walk assist feature) must cut out at 6km/h.

All petrol-powered bicycles or e-bikes that can be operated with a throttle without pedalling are illegal and can only be ridden on private property.

Devices that are over-powered or have motors that continue to operate at speeds over 25km/h may be classified as motor vehicles and are subject to registration, licensing, and insurance requirements.

If your e-bike has the capacity to operate above 500 watts but is limited by software to operate at 500 watts or lower, it is still illegal.

In 2029, e-bikes that have a maximum continuous rated power between 250 to 500 watts or have a maximum continuous rated power of up to 250 watts but do not meet the EN standard, will be made illegal to ride on NSW roads.

E-bikes powered over 500W are currently and will continue to be illegal to ride on NSW roads.

If your e-bike has the capacity to operate above 250 watts but can be limited by software to operate at 250 watts or lower, it will be illegal.

Not all e-bikes sold in Australia are legal to ride on NSW roads. Consumers need to make sure the e-bike they are purchasing is legal to use on NSW roads.

The easiest way to do this is to buy an e-bike that meets the European Standard EN15194.

You should buy an e-bike that meets the European standard EN 15194, as they are legal to ride now and will be compliant when rule changes come into force in 2029.

You can look for a mark on the bicycle that shows it meets this standard or speak to the retailer you are purchasing it from.

To be used on NSW roads e-bikes must comply with EN 15194 standard from 1 March 2029. Owners of currently legal e-bikes, with a maximum power output between 250 and 500 watts, must transition to an EN compliant model by that deadline.

The NSW Government is announcing a new package of laws to end the dangerous use of high-powered and tampered e-bikes.

This includes giving NSW Police greater enforcement powers and adopting the world-leading European safety and performance standard which mandates that an e-bike must perform like a bicycle.

The NSW Government announced in December 2025 plans to change the rules to cap the continuous rated power of e-bikes to 250 watts.

The current cap in NSW is 500 watts, and the change will bring us into line with other states in Australia.

Under the new seizure and crushing laws, NSW Police will be given expanded powers to take illegal e-bikes that are being used on-road from riders, and to efficiently dispose of them.

As Transport for NSW and NSW Police finalise the design of new seizure laws, consideration is being given to laws already in place in Western Australia, which have seen dozens of bikes confiscated and crushed.

Portable dyno testing units will allow police to check e-bikes during compliance operations. Dyno testing confirms whether an e-bike’s motor cuts out at 25 km/h, as required under the new standard. The dyno technology is already used in Europe and the UK and has been proven to work.

NSW Police and Transport for NSW will trial the units in known hotspots of illegal e-bike use to improve safety.

We are working to make the change to NSW Road Rules as soon as possible, with a three-year transition period from 2026 to 2029 to follow. This transition period is intended to allow enough time for consumers and retailers to transition away from higher powered e-bikes to the EN15194 standard.

The NSW Government supports the Commonwealth’s move to reintroduce reference to the European Standard EN 15194 into the national guidance for road vehicle importation.

The change provides clearer direction to importers about the standard of e-bikes that we want to see on NSW roads, and could make it easier for customers, retailers, and police to identify safer, legal e-bikes.

The NSW Government will also continue to work with the Commonwealth Government and other states and territories towards a national regulatory framework for e-mobility devices. This aims to ensure safe and consistent supply and use of devices in the Australian market, while still promoting mobility and innovation.

European Standard EN 15194 is the product safety standard for e-bikes sold in Europe.

It covers a range of key safety and performance requirements that make bikes safer to operate on road and from an electrical perspective.

These include safe construction (such as steering, frame, saddle, wheels), braking performance, motor output (continuous rated power and progressive speed reduction) as well as electrical system safety (including the battery, charger, and control system).

These requirements must be tested in accordance with the methods in the standard, providing a level of assurance as to the quality and consistency of the bikes.

Due to the size and maturity of the European e-bike market, many e-bikes for sale meet this standard.

There is no direct equivalent, recent, or comprehensive Australian standard for e-bikes.

By buying an e-bike that is certified to meet this standard, you will know it is safer and road-legal.

We understand people already own e-bikes that are between 251 watts and 500 watts, and that these were purchased and have been used legally in NSW.

To be used on a road, an e-bike will need to comply with EN 15194 standard by 1 March 2029. Owners of currently legal e-bikes, with a maximum power output up to 500 watts, must transition to an EN compliant model by that deadline.

After 1 March 2029, bikes that do not comply with the EN 15194 standard can be seized under the new seizure and crushing laws

We will be working with retailers, industry, and the community to establish appropriate transition arrangements to ensure people in this position are not unduly impacted.

If you are involved in a crash with an e-bike, you should contact NSW Police and call 000 if you or the rider needs emergency medical treatment.

If you have concerns about the rider leaving the scene, you should try and get a description of the bike and the rider and share this with Police. 

No. Like regular bicycles, e-bikes do not need to be registered if they are a legal type. Riders are not required to have a driver’s licence. The NSW Government is committed to promoting safe riding through education, enforcement, and clear rules.

No. Some e-bike owners choose to have insurance policies to provide them cover if they are involved in a crash or have their e-bike stolen.

The NSW Government is also exploring options for e-micromobility insurance, including potential settings, considering the need for people injured by devices to be effectively supported, affordability, existing insurance settings, and viability of those arrangements.

Legal e-bikes can be used on roads (including bicycle lanes), shared paths, and bicycle paths.

They cannot be used if there are signs that indicate ‘No bicycles’ and adult riders are not allowed to ride on the footpath. However, people under 16 and others with specific exemptions (such as medical conditions or postal workers) can ride on the footpath. 

Find more resources and information about sharing the road with bicycles users safely. 

Just like traditional bikes, riders of e-bikes must adhere to the speed limit if travelling on a road, must always give way to pedestrians when on shared paths (or footpaths, if they are under 16), and should always ride to conditions.

In addition, to be legal to ride on public roads and paths, e-bike motors must stop providing power when the e-bike reaches 25km/h.

Some people have made changes to the physical or software features of their e-bikes to increase power beyond legal limits, enable bikes to operate without pedalling, or enable the motor to operate at speeds above 25km/h. Changing the electrical features of an e-bike is known as modifying or tampering.

If an e-bike is modified so that it no longer complies with the definition of a legal type of e-bike, then it will be illegal. This means that penalties for riding an uninsured, unregistered motor vehicle may apply.

We understand there is a lot of community concern about people changing their e-bike speed settings or making modifications so the device can travel faster or be used without pedalling.

Some e-bikes that are modified (including throttle-only devices) are not road-legal, and they are presenting risks for users, pedestrians, and other road users. Riders and owners can face fines and increased crash risk, battery instability, and fire hazards.

We have boosted powers for police and are testing new equipment with them to ensure a strong approach to enforcing the rules.

We are also delivering improved communications and education programs.

People wanting more information and guidance on e-bike safety can visit www.nsw.gov.au/e-bikes.

Police already have the power to stop and inspect e-bikes that they suspect are not road-legal but are being used on a road or path.

Currently, to identify whether an e-bike is illegal, Police review how the bike operates, including whether it uses a throttle at higher speeds and its speed capability.

The NSW Government is investing $100,000 from the Community Road Safety Fund to get 3 Portable dyno testing units to trial in NSW from Europe, where it is already used by law enforcement in several countries.

Dyno technology will allow police to more accurately measure how the motor performs by testing how fast the wheels spin against resistance. This helps confirm whether a bike’s motor continues to provide power beyond 25km/h.

Legal e-bikes have motors that are designed to assist the rider while pedalling.

Motor power must reduce as the rider increases their speed by pedalling, and must cut out completely if the bike reaches 25km/h.

The motor cannot replace the need to pedal and cannot propel the rider at speed.

The motor power must be a maximum of 250 watts (currently, it is 500 watts, but the NSW Government plans to lower to 250 watts and require bikes to meet the European Standard EN 15194).

E-bikes that are low power and provide motor assist to the rider while they pedal perform in a similar manner to a regular bicycle, and riders must comply with the same road rules as a traditional bicycle.

Motorcycles are powered by the motor alone, must be registered and insured, and require a licensed rider to be legally ridden on the road network.

Not all e-bikes sold in Australian shops or through online retailers are legal for road use.

Bikes that operate at higher speeds, have high power motors (even if restricted by software), use throttles, or don’t require pedalling are illegal and can attract significant penalties.

Under the new seizure and crushing laws, NSW Police will be given expanded powers to take illegal e-bikes that are being used on-road from riders, and to efficiently dispose of them, to help keep the community safe.

If you’re unsure, ask your retailer whether the bike meets the latest European Standard EN 15194. You can also look for the European Standard EN 15194 EPAC mark, which shows the bike meets the European safety standard.

The NSW Government recognises that pedestrians are some of the most vulnerable road users, and ensuring their safety is a key priority. We are taking a range of steps to promote safe and respectful interactions between pedestrians and other road users, including people riding bicycles and e-bikes.

Transport for NSW is working to improve awareness and understanding of the road rules through community education, public campaigns, and targeted engagement. This includes promoting safe riding behaviours, encouraging compliance with road rules, and clarifying where bicycles and e-bikes can legally travel.

In addition, NSW Police continue to conduct enforcement operations in high-risk areas. These combined efforts aim to protect pedestrians, particularly on footpaths and shared paths, and foster a safer environment for everyone using the transport network.

Safe and legal riding is important for all e-bike users, whether they’re riding to school, to work, or for work.

Gig economy workers are required to complete a safety induction before starting work and must be provided personal protective equipment (like high visibility clothing) to use. SafeWork NSW and Transport for NSW work with gig economy platforms to ensure riders are educated on road safety.

Additionally, the NSW Police have been undertaking targeted enforcement operations in high-risk areas and using social media channels to educate people on safe riding.

Transport for NSW is also:

• developing a communications, education and engagement toolkit for councils and other stakeholders to use
• running paid campaigns and social media outreach to promote safe riding
• engaging with young riders and their families to raise awareness of road rules and safe practices
• continuing to support road safety education in schools, including safe riding practices, through resources and information provided through the NSW Road Safety Education Program.

The NSW Government has recently introduced new legislation to improve how shared e-bikes are managed in public spaces.

Under the new approach, operators who provide devices for hire will need to meet strict minimum regulatory requirements. Transport for NSW will have powers to approve, monitor, and penalise operators who fail to meet these safety and service standards.

Councils and State Government land managers will also have powers to set and enforce parking requirements for all devices.

The changes will better integrate shared e-bikes into the transport system, and address community concerns about footpath clutter, helmet compliance, and pedestrian and rider safety.

For more information on the proposed changes to shared e-bike management visit www.nsw.gov.au/sharing-schemes.

Yes. Councils can prohibit e-bike use on roads and paths using “no bicycle” signs.

Fines include:

• No helmet: from $423
• Reckless riding: $562
• Riding on footpaths (adults): $140.

Riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol can lead to fines or imprisonment.

No changes are currently planned. Drink riding laws for bicycles (including e-bikes) remain under the Road Transport Act.

Data shows that between 1 January and 1 September 2025, Fire & Rescue NSW responded to 75 fires where e-micromobility devices were identified as the cause of a fire.

These fires account for 36 per cent of all lithium-ion battery fires. These incidents have resulted in 16 injuries and one fatality.

Owners can take steps to reduce the risk of a fire and the impact of a fire if one occurs. To learn more, visit www.nsw.gov.au/e-bikes.

Second-hand e-bikes can pose additional safety and fire risks, especially if the battery is damaged or modified.

People should:

• avoid using second-hand batteries
• get a second-hand e-bike checked by a professional
• look for signs of damage like bulging, leaking, or loose wires
• avoid DIY conversion kits, which can increase crash and fire risk.

Transport for NSW is:

• mapping cycleways across NSW
• providing new marked parking bays around train and Metro stations for shared e-bikes to use
• delivering Strategic Cycleway Corridors to connect key centres
• requiring active transport infrastructure in major projects (e.g. Parramatta Light Rail includes a 5.7 km shared path)
• funding active transport infrastructure through programs like:
  • Get NSW Active Program – over $660 million since 2011, plus $60 million for FY25/26
  • Road Safety Program – $194.8 million allocated to walking and cycling infrastructure.

Transport for NSW has also published a 10-year Regional and Outer Metropolitan Cycling and Micromobility Action Plan. The vision is for people of all ages and abilities in regional NSW to have access to attractive, safe, and connected cycling and micromobility options.

Councils and other roads authorities that carry out road work have statutory protections from civil liability claims under Part 5 of the Civil Liabilities Act 2002.

NSW Fair Trading maintains a public register of certified and approved models. People are encouraged to check whether a device or battery is on the list of approved products before purchase.

Ask the retailer if their product meets the NSW Product Safety Standards.

From 1 February 2026, e-micromobility products must be tested and certified and have an approval mark.

When charging and storing e-bikes and lithium-ion batteries it is advised to store in dry, ventilated areas away from flammable materials, fire exits and doorways. Avoid storing them near heat sources or in direct sunlight, especially when charging.

To charge safely:

• only use a charger recommended by the manufacturer of your device
• charge in open areas like a garage or shed, away from exits
• avoid charging in bedrooms or living spaces
• never charge while sleeping or away from home
• use hard surfaces like concrete or tiles and keep flammable materials away.

Stop using and charging batteries that have signs of:

• swelling or bulging
• leaking, cracks, dents, or punctures
• smoke, vapours, or overheating
• exposure to water or fire
• reduced performance (rapid loss of charge, need to charge more regularly).

Replace batteries showing these signs and dispose of them safely.

Lithium-ion batteries don’t belong in the bin as they can spark a fire.

Recycle your e-bike battery at a Community Recycling Centre, Household Chemical Clean Out events or B-cycle Battery Recycling Drop off points.

To find your nearest facility, visit the EPA website.

The NSW Government has:

• introduced mandatory Product Safety Standards for e-micromobility products sold and supplied in NSW
• launched an Information Standard requiring retailers and suppliers of e-micromobility devices to provide safety guidance at point of sale or supply
• supported battery recycling trials and product stewardship reforms
• delivered public education campaigns on safe charging and disposal.

The NSW Government has developed a “one-stop-shop” website, housing all the information people might need to stay safe on and around e-bikes. You can explore this by visiting www.nsw.gov.au/e-bikes.