The recent popularity of electric bikes, especially among children, raises the question as to how its use is regulated on NSW roads. Powered with rechargeable batteries, e-bikes assist pedalling to help users ride faster than a traditional bicycle, while helping to manage hills easier and travel longer distances without feeling as tired.
Bicycles must meet the requirements of a permitted e-bike to be legally used on NSW public roads and road-related areas. The Road Transport Act 2013 was recently amended to consider the rise of e-bikes in the new Road Transport Legislation Amendment Act (Electric Skateboards and Bicycles) Regulation 2023 (NSW).
E-bike requirements
Permitted e-bikes on NSW public roads include:
- Power-assisted pedal cycles; and
- Electronically power-assisted
A power-assisted bike has one or more motors attached. However, these bikes must not be purely operated by motors and must only assist the e-bike when going uphill. The combined maximum motor output must not exceed 200 watts.
An electronically power-assisted bike must have a maximum continued rate power of no more than 500 watts. The power output of its motor should decrease as speed increases. The motor must cut off at 25 km/h or when the rider stops pedalling.
E-bikes not permitted on NSW public roads include:
- Petrol-powered bicycles
Petrol and other powered bicycles that do not meet these e-bike requirements must not be used on public roads. Other prohibited vehicles also include:
- Motorised foot scoters with an electric or petrol engine
- Minibikes or monkey bikes
- Segways; and
- Skateboards with an electric or petrol motor
These vehicles can only be legally used on private property.
Are children allowed to ride e-bikes?
No age restriction currently exists surrounding the use of personal e-bikes on NSW roads. However, children must be at least 14 years old and have permission from their guardians to hire a ride share e-bike, such as Lime.
Children also do not need a licence to ride an e-bike, nor are required to have their e-bike registered.
E-bike road rules
E-bikes that comply with the above regulations are classed as bicycles, and therefore the same road rules apply. These include:
- Children below 16 years of age may ride an e-bike on a footpath or shared path
- Adults supervising children under 16 years can also ride on the footpath
- E-bikes must not exceed 25km/h
- Riders must wear an approved bicycle helmet
- Riders must keep left and give way to pedestrians on shared paths
- Riders must ride in a marked bicycle lane, unless impractical
- Riders are also encouraged to wear bright or light-coloured clothing to increase visibility, and wear closed-toe shoes to protect and support feet, such as sneakers or running shoes.
To find out more information about NSW regulations on E-bikes, visit:
- E-bikes Transport for NSW
- Safety and rules for bicycle riders NSW Government.
If you or someone you know are in need of legal advice, you can contact our team of experts by contacting us at 9525 8688.
