E-Bikes and the Law in NSW: What Parents Need to Know
E-bikes are becoming increasingly popular with children and teenagers, but many e-bikes are not legal to ride on NSW roads or paths. With NSW introducing tougher e-bike regulations and expanded Police powers to seize illegal bikes, it is important to check exactly what your child is riding.
Not every “e-bike” is legally an e-bike
A legal e-bike is a bicycle with a motor. The motor can assist the rider while they pedal but the bike should still operate like a bicycle, not like an electric motorbike.
A legal e-bike in NSW must:
- Have a maximum continuous rated power of no more than 500 watts;
- Have a motor that stops providing power and cuts off when it reaches 25km/h; and
- Not use a throttle (motor) to propel the bike above 6km/h without the rider pedalling.
A bike is not legal simply because it has software-imposed limits. If the bike is capable of operating outside these limits, it may still be considered illegal.
When does an e-bike become a motor vehicle and why does it matter?
If an e-bike exceeds the permitted operating limits, it may be legally treated as a motor vehicle, not a bicycle. This distinction is important because in NSW, a motor vehicle must be insured and registered for legal use on NSW roads whereas a bicycle is exempt from these requirements.
Riding an illegal e-bike may expose the rider to offences including using an unregistered and/or uninsured motor vehicle and can, depending on the manner of riding, bring allegations of a licensing or driving offence like negligent driving.
The usual bicycle rules still apply
E-bikers must comply with the NSW road rules that apply to bike riders. This includes wearing an approved and properly fitted helmet, having appropriate lights at night, obeying traffic lights and signs, giving way where required and riding safely around pedestrians.
Legal e-bikes can generally be ridden on roads, bicycle lanes, bicycle paths and shared paths. Children under 16 may also ride on footpaths, but they must keep left and give way to pedestrians. Carrying friends on a bike that is not designed or properly equipped for passengers can be an offence in addition to creating serious safety risks.
Expanding seizure powers and future e-bike standards
New laws are being introduced giving NSW Police and Transport NSW Officers greater powers to seize and destroy illegal, non-registrable motor vehicles. This includes the power to seize and destroy illegal e-bikes.
NSW is also moving away from its current 500-watt limit and adopting the European EN 15194 standard. From 1 March 2029, an e-bike used on NSW roads and paths will need to also comply with this standard and have a maximum continuous rated power of 250 watts.
A bike that does not meet these regulations will not be legal to ride in NSW as of March 2029. When purchasing a new e-bike, the 2029 requirements should be considered.
Has your child been stopped by police?
If your child has been stopped, charged or had an e-bike seized, it is imperative to obtain legal advice before responding to the allegation or attending court. Please call us on 9525 8688 or click here to contact us.
This article reflects the NSW position as at June 2026. E-bike reforms are continuing to develop, check with us to confirm details before relying on them for your circumstances.
