E-bikes have become increasingly popular across New South Wales, offering a convenient and lower-cost transport option for commuting, delivery work, school travel and recreation. However, the growth of e-bike use has also raised safety concerns, particularly around high-powered or modified devices being used on roads, footpaths and shared paths.

The NSW Government has announced a staged reform package aimed at making e-bike rules clearer, safer and easier to enforce. The key proposed changes relate to power limits, speed restrictions, enforcement powers and age requirements.1

What is currently legal in NSW?

At present, NSW recognises permitted e-bikes that meet specific requirements. Transport for NSW explains that legal e-bikes can be used on public roads and road-related areas, provided they meet the requirements for permitted e-bikes.2

Currently, NSW permits certain electrically power-assisted cycles with a maximum continuous rated power of up to 500 watts, but the NSW Government has announced plans to reduce the legal road-use limit to 250 watts.3 This change is intended to bring NSW into line with the European Standard EN 15194 and other Australian jurisdictions.4

Importantly, an e-bike must still operate like a bicycle. The motor is intended to assist the rider, not replace pedalling altogether.5

The proposed 250W power limit

One of the most significant changes is the planned reduction of the maximum continuous rated power limit from 500W to 250W.6

The NSW Government has advised riders and purchasers to choose e-bikes that comply with European Standard EN 15194, because those bikes are legal now and are expected to remain legal under the future rules.7

Owners of currently legal e-bikes with a maximum power output between 250W and 500W will need to transition to an EN-compliant model by the relevant deadline.8 Devices above the legal power limit may not be lawful to ride on NSW roads or road-related areas.

Speed restrictions and motor cut-off rules

The reforms also focus on speed and motor assistance. The NSW Government has stated that compliant e-bikes should meet EN 15194, which requires the bike to behave like a bicycle and limits motor assistance.9

A key issue is whether the device continues to provide motor power above legal limits or without pedalling. The NSW Government has warned that some devices sold or used as “e-bikes” may in reality operate more like electric motorbikes, particularly where they are high-powered, throttle-operated or modified.10

In practical terms, riders should check whether their e-bike:

  • has a compliant motor power rating;
  • cuts motor assistance at the permitted speed;
  • requires pedalling for assistance, except within very limited low-speed circumstances;
  • has not been modified or tampered with to increase speed or power.

Proposed age restrictions

The NSW Government has announced that a minimum age to ride an e-bike will be introduced in NSW.11

As at 24 May 2026, the final minimum age has not yet been confirmed. The Government has stated that Transport for NSW is conducting a review and will recommend an age limit between 12 and 16 years old.12

This is particularly relevant for parents and carers, as e-bikes are increasingly being used by children and teenagers. Families considering purchasing an e-bike for a young person should check the latest NSW Government guidance before buying.

Police powers and enforcement

The NSW Government has also announced stronger enforcement measures targeting illegal and modified e-bikes. These include greater powers for NSW Police to deal with dangerous or non-compliant e-bikes, including seizure and disposal powers.13

The Government has also referred to enforcement activity targeting high-powered and tampered devices, including e-bikes that have been modified to exceed legal limits.14

This means riders should not assume that a bike is legal simply because it was available for purchase. A device marketed as an “e-bike” may still be unlawful to ride on NSW roads or paths if it exceeds the legal power or speed requirements.

What this means for riders

For riders, the key message is simple: check your e-bike’s compliance before using it on public roads or shared paths.

Riders should confirm:

  • the motor’s continuous rated power;
  • whether the bike complies with EN 15194;
  • whether motor assistance cuts out at the required speed;
  • whether the bike has been modified;
  • whether the bike is appropriate for the rider’s age, once age restrictions are finalised.

What this means for parents

Parents should be cautious when buying e-bikes for children or teenagers. The NSW Government has specifically identified young riders as a focus of the reforms and has announced that a minimum riding age will be introduced.15

Until the final age limit is confirmed, parents should check official NSW Government updates before purchasing an e-bike for a child.

What this means for retailers

Retailers should ensure that e-bikes are accurately described and that consumers are not misled about whether a device is legal for road use in NSW.

The NSW Government recommends choosing an e-bike that meets European Standard EN 15194 and checking for the EN 15194 mark or asking the retailer to confirm compliance.16

Key takeaways

NSW is moving toward stricter e-bike regulation. The main changes include:

  • reducing the maximum legal power limit from 500W to 250W;
  • aligning NSW rules with European Standard EN 15194;
  • targeting high-powered and modified e-bikes;
  • strengthening police enforcement powers;
  • introducing a minimum age for e-bike riders.

The reforms are designed to preserve the benefits of e-bikes while improving safety for riders, pedestrians and the wider community.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and is not legal advice. Riders, parents and retailers should check the latest NSW Government and Transport for NSW guidance before buying, selling or using an e-bike.

  1. NSW Government, “Minimum age to ride an e-bike is a path to safer streets,” published 20 February 2026. 
  2. Transport for NSW, “E-bikes.” 
  3. NSW Government, “Riding bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters in NSW.” 
  4. NSW Government, “E-bike FAQs.” 
  5. Transport for NSW, “E-bikes.” 
  6. NSW Government, “Making e-bikes safer for kids and communities this Christmas,” published 2 December 2025. ↩
  7. ransport for NSW, “E-bikes.” 
  8. NSW Government, “E-bike FAQs.” 
  9. NSW Government, “E-bike FAQs.” 
  10. NSW Government, “E-bike seizure and crushing powers to become law.” 
  11. NSW Government, “Minimum age to ride an e-bike is a path to safer streets.” 
  12. NSW Government, “Minimum age to ride an e-bike is a path to safer streets.” 
  13. NSW Government, “E-bike seizure and crushing powers to become law.” 
  14. NSW Government, “E-bike seizure and crushing powers to become law.” 
  15. NSW Government, “Making e-bikes safer for kids and communities this Christmas.” 
  16. Transport for NSW, “E-bikes.” 
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