As technology advances in terms of transportation, NSW e-bike laws have become a necessity in Australia. These laws regulate the usage of e-bikes and e-scooters in the State with the aim of maintaining the safety of all public road users.
The trending use of an electric bike due to its many advantages has led to the proactive initiative of the government to formulate laws that will help regulate its use. If you’re thinking of using an electric bike for your daily means of transportation in NSW, you must be knowledgeable of related laws and regulations in NSW.
E-Bike Laws in NSW 2025 Updates
2023 Updates
In 2023, the Road Transport Act 2013’s new provisions limited the maximum power of e-bike motors permitted on public roads. The permissible level of continuous running power was increased from 250 watts to 500 watts by the Road Transport Legislation Amendment (Electric Skateboards and Bicycles) Regulation 2023.
Furthermore, the Regulation also amends the:
- Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Regulation 2017
- Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2017.
The amendment mandates these regulations to:
- provide that certain registration requirements do not apply to electrically power-assisted bicycles
- provide that the Light Vehicle Standards and licensing requirements do not apply to electrically power-assisted bicycles.
2025 Updates
Starting February 2025, there will be new NSW e-bike laws relating to their batteries. “In NSW, e-bikes, e-scooters, e-skateboards, self-balancing scooters and the lithium-ion batteries used to power these devices are ‘declared electrical articles’ under the Gas and Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2017.”
Because of such declaration, battery products of e-bikes must comply with the mandatory safety standards before shops can sell them in NSW. Thus, to enhance consumer safety and reduce the risk of fire, the e-bike owners must comply with the following standards:
E-bikes:
- ANSI/CAN/UL 2849 (the only option for products with a maximum continuous rated output exceeding 500 watts)
- AS 15194:2016
- EN 15194:2017+A1:2023
E-bike batteries:
- ANSI/CAN/UL 2271
- EN 50604-1:2016+A1:2021
- IEC 62133-2:2017
E-scooters, e-skateboards and hoverboards:
- ANSI/CAN/UL 2272
- AS/NZS 60335.2.114:2023
- EN 17128
E-scooters, e-skateboards and hoverboards batteries:
- ANSI/CAN/UL 2271
- AS/NZS 60335.2.114:2023
To know more about the detailed definition of each article, check out the NSW Government Gazette, Number 298 – Other, issued on Friday, August 2, 2024.
There might also be new updates in the later part of this year as there has been reports from the NSW Upper House Inquiry about the need for urgent reforms of e-bike laws NSW. There were already 34 recommendations from the committee, which include speed limits and footpath access. The state government will release a response in the inquiry in May 2025.
NSW E-Bike Laws: E-Bike Requirements
An e-bike is like a regular bicycle, but it has a motor that helps the rider when going uphill or facing winds. Thus, the rider must still use manual power in propelling the bicycle, and the motor is only a support.
Moreover, there are two types of permitted e-bikes in NSW:
- Power-assisted pedal cycles. This type has one or more motors attached with a combined maximum power output of up to 200 watts. However, this e-bike cannot be propelled by motor/s alone.
- Electrically power-assisted cycles. An electrically power-assisted cycle has a maximum continued rated power of up to 500 watts. The power output must progressively reduce as the e-bike’s speed increases beyond 6km/h.
However, petrol-powered bicycles are prohibited in NSW roads and road-related areas like footpaths, shared paths, cycleways, and bike paths. Examples of this type are:
- Those that have a petrol-powered engine attached before or after purchase
- Those that are powered by other types of internal combustion engines.
Although these bikes are faster, they have brakes just like regular bicycles. Thus, the risk of a crash that can kill or injure the rider and other road users is highly possible. Additionally, the law does not require registration for e-bikes and does not require the use of a driver’s or rider’s license.
What about speed limits? In NSW, the maximum speed limit an e-bike can reach is 25km/h in Australia. This means that even if your e-bike has a higher top speed than 25km/h, you must not exceed this limit while riding your e-bike. If you do, you may be liable for a fine or penalty.
NSW E-Bike Laws: Road Rules for E-Bike Riders
Rules for bicycle riders apply to e-bike riders. These rules are:
- When riding side-by-side with another bike, the distance between both bikes must not be more than 1.5 metres apart.
- Use the marked bike lane in your direction if there is one unless it’s impractical to do so.
- Give a hand signal when turning right or merging to the right lane. Do this 30 metres before you turn, or change lanes, or position.
- Don’t ride on a pedestrian crossing. Instead, walk your bike across.
- Don’t hold onto another moving vehicle.
- Keep left of oncoming bicycle riders or pedestrians on a footpath, shared path, or separated path.
- Do not carry people on your bike when there is no carriage for passengers.
- Riders under 16 years of age or those who are 16 years of age or older and are supervising a child under 16 riding a bike can ride in a footpath.
Another important rule is always to wear a helmet when riding an e-bike. A helmet that has been certified must be properly fitted and fastened on bicycle riders. This applies to kids riding training wheels, kids in child seats, and kids in trailers for bicycles.
As to clothing, the e-bike user must wear bright or light colors so that other drivers can see you. A high-visibility slap band and reflective apparel are also a must have if you’re riding at night.
Moreover, wear closed-toed footwear that covers your toes and heels completely, such as running shoes or sneakers.
Can You Use Mobile Phones While Riding an E-Bike?
Yes, but there are only two ways to do so:
- Hands-free use when making or receiving calls and playing audio such as music and podcasts.
- In a phone holder, when making or receiving calls and playing audio such as music and podcasts.
Note that you can’t use your phone to text, video call, email, surf, or photo-taking.
Got a Question About Traffic Law?
Traffic offence lawyers in NSW, Australia, can protect the rights of motorists who have been charged with traffic violations. Our lawyers at JB Solicitors can help to ensure that our clients’ cases regarding NSW e-bike laws or other traffic violations are handled fairly and that they receive the best possible outcome.
If you have a question or two about NSW e-bike laws or need legal help with a traffic violation, contact us today, and let’s discuss your options.
Last updated: 06 February 2025
