As e-bike ownership continues to rise across New South Wales, particularly among teenagers, the NSW Government is introducing new safety measures aimed at reducing risk and ensuring devices are appropriate for younger riders.
With around 600,000 households now owning an e-bike, and many more expected to purchase one in the lead-up to Christmas, parents are being urged to check that any new device is safe, compliant, and suitable for children.
Among the major changes, the Government will reduce the maximum legal power output of e-bikes in NSW to 250 watts, reversing an earlier decision that had increased the limit to 500 watts. The move brings the state back into line with other Australian jurisdictions.
Transport Minister John Graham said the shift was about ensuring e-bikes behave like bicycles, not motorbikes, and remain safe for teenagers to use.
“E-bikes are fantastic for getting kids outside, active, and independent, but they need to be safe,” he said.
“We’re seeing devices on the market that are far too powerful, too easy to modify, and too hard for parents to assess. This is about making sure the bike your teenager rides behaves like a bike, not a motorbike.”
Graham urged families to be proactive.
“Our message to parents is simple: check the sticker, check the wattage, and have a conversation with your kids about staying safe,” he said.
The regulatory rollback follows growing concerns that many high-powered e-bikes are difficult for police to identify and can pose safety risks on public roads and footpaths. The changes are designed to limit access to devices that function more like electric motorcycles than pedal-assisted bicycles.
The NSW Government is also reviewing the definition of an e-bike within road rules to close existing loopholes that allow motorcycle-grade devices to be marketed and used as bicycles.
The state reforms complement a national crackdown. The Commonwealth Government has committed to reinstating import requirements to ensure all e-bikes sold in Australia comply with the European EN 15194 safety and quality standard. This is intended to keep low-quality, easily modified and potentially dangerous devices out of the country.
The updated rules are expected to take effect within months, with the NSW Government stating that the rollout will include consultation with retailers and the wider community to support a fair and practical transition.
Minister for Roads and Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison, said that while e-bikes have clear benefits, safety must remain a priority.
“Nothing matters more than keeping our kids safe,” she said. “As more young people jump on e-bikes, we need to make sure every device on our roads and footpaths is safe, legal and fit for purpose.”
She said that some devices currently on the market are simply too powerful and too risky.
“Right now, we’re seeing too many powerful, modified devices that put riders and everyone around them at risk. These changes are about preventing serious injuries before they happen,” she said.
She also emphasised the role of the broader community.
“Road safety is a shared responsibility. Government is tightening standards and cleaning up unsafe behaviour, but we need retailers, parents, and riders to help keep our communities safe.”
What Parents Should Look For
Ahead of the Christmas buying season, families are being encouraged to prioritise safety when choosing an e-bike for their children. Parents are advised to look for:
- A clear EN 15194 sticker or certification
- A motor output of no more than 250 watts
- A reputable brand with documented safety standards
- A model that has not been modified, “chipped”, or had its speed limiter removed
Parents are also being urged to speak with their children about responsible e-bike use – such as always wearing a helmet, not carrying passengers, riding only where permitted, and never tampering with the bike’s speed controls.
These reforms form part of a broader government effort to improve safety around e-mobility devices. That includes new laws targeting shared e-bike schemes, footpath clutter, and operator accountability to ensure compliance with strict safety rules.
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