E-Bike FAQs

E-bikes are growing in popularity and becoming more and more visible on the streets. Powered with rechargeable batteries, they provide electric assist while pedalling and can make hills and everyday trips much easier. This means average travel distances on e-bikes tend to increase, and you can reach more destinations. Many bike shops now sell a range of e-bikes.

There are two types of permitted e-bikes:

• power-assisted pedal cycles
• electrically power-assisted cycles.

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.

A power-assisted pedal cycle:

• has one or more motors attached with a combined maximum power output of up to 200 watts
• can't be propelled only by the motor/s
• weighs less than 50kg (including batteries)
• has a height-adjustable seat.

Electrically power-assisted cycles

An electrically power-assisted cycle has a maximum continued rated power of up to 500 watts. This power output must be:

• progressively reduced as the bicycle’s speed increases beyond 6km/h 
  cut off when:
  • your bicycle reaches a speed of 25km/h
  • you stop pedalling and the speed exceeds 6km/h.

Find more information about e-bikes.

To be legal to ride on NSW roads, your e-bike must:

• be pedalled to move
• be below the maximum power, which will soon be 250W*
• have a motor that cuts out at 25km/h.

*NSW plans to cap maximum power for road legal e-bikes at 250 watts (down from 500W) to match other states. Make sure the motor is 250W max (continuous rated power) – anything higher will soon be phased out in NSW.

Choose a bike that meets European Standard EN 15194 – it’s legal to ride now and in the future. Check for the EN 15194 mark or ask your retailer about the continuous rated power.

An e-bike has a lithium-ion battery. These can fail and release toxic gases or catch fire. It’s important to take steps to protect your e-bike, your home and your family, including:

• don't change the software, motor or battery
• use batteries and chargers supplied with the device or those recommended by the manufacturer
• never leave your battery alone when charging and never charge when you’re sleeping.

Find out more about lithium-ion battery safety on the NSW Fire and Rescue website.

The electric motor should not assist the rider when travelling more than 25km/h but does not prevent the rider travelling faster with their own pedalling or going downhill.

When riding on a road, you must stay under the speed limit and follow all the rules that apply to bicycle riders. When riding on a shared path, slow down and always give way to pedestrians.

Find out more about safety and rules for bike riding. 

Yes. There are currently no age restrictions on riding personal e-bikes. To hire a ride share e-bike, ride share e-bike operators require users to comply with their terms and conditions. This may include an age limit for use set by operators.

No, you do not need a licence to ride an e-bike.

E-bikes that comply with regulations are considered equivalent to bicycles, and the same road rules apply. These include:

• always wear a helmet securely fitted and fastened
• you cannot ride on the footpath if you are 16 and over*
• always give way to pedestrians
• don’t carry passengers unless your bike is designed for it
• stay under the speed limit and ride to the conditions
• don’t touch your phone while riding
• never drink and ride.

Find out more about safety and rules for bike riding.

Many bike shops sell e-bikes. There are also a growing number that specialise in e-bike sales and repair.

Shared e-bikes are provided by private companies who make them available for people to rent. These companies are called sharing scheme operators or operators.

Shared devices are parked in public spaces to make them easy for people to find and use. You can hire an e-bike using the app provided by the operator who owns the device you want to use.

Shared e-bikes are currently available to ride in some areas of Sydney.

Learn more about riding shared e-bikes.