Choosing a legal e-bike
There are only two kinds of e-bikes that can be legally ridden on NSW roads and on public paths. You must ensure your e-bike is road legal before riding it.
Legal e-bikes
For an e-bike to be legal, the rider must primarily propel it by pedalling – the motor can’t be the only thing moving the bike. It should only help the rider, like when going uphill or facing strong winds.
Significant penalties apply for riding devices that are not road-legal on roads and on public paths in NSW. Your device may also be seized.
Power-assisted pedal cycles
To be permitted on NSW roads and paths, power-assisted pedal cycles:
- must have 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)
- must have a height-adjustable seat.
Electrically power-assisted cycles.
To be permitted on NSW roads and paths, an electrically power-assisted cycle must have a maximum continued rated power of up to 500 watts. This power output must:
- progressively reduce 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.
Petrol-powered bicycles
All petrol-powered bicycles are illegal on NSW roads and public paths. This includes bicycles that:
- have a petrol-powered engine attached before or after purchase
- are powered by other types of internal combustion engines.
Significant penalties apply for riding these devices and your device may also be seized.