E-Bike Road Rules in NSW: What You Need to Know
Electric bikes (e-bikes) are becoming an increasingly popular transport option in New South Wales (NSW), offering a sustainable and efficient way to get around. However, understanding the road rules is essential to ensuring you ride legally and safely. Here’s an updated guide on e-bike regulations, including throttle use, recent law changes, and the legal status of other electric personal transport devices.
What Is an E-Bike?
In NSW, an e-bike is defined as a bicycle with an electric motor that provides assistance to the rider’s pedaling. There are three main categories:
Power-Assisted Pedal Cycle
These e-bikes have an electric motor with a maximum power output of 200 watts.
The motor can assist with movement but must not solely propel the bicycle.
The power output must be progressively reduced as the bicycle’s speed increases beyond 6 km/h and cut off at 25 km/h or when pedaling stops.
The total weight of the bike, including batteries, must not exceed 50 kg.
Must have a height-adjustable seat.
Pedalec
These are e-bikes compliant with the European Standard EN15194.
They feature an electric motor with a continuous power output of up to 250 watts.
The motor only provides assistance when the rider is pedaling and cuts off once the bike reaches 25 km/h.
Electrically Power-Assisted Cycles (EPACs)
These e-bikes can have a maximum continuous rated power output of up to 500 watts.
The power output must be progressively reduced as the bicycle’s speed increases beyond 6 km/h.
The motor must cut off when the bicycle reaches 25 km/h or if pedaling stops and the speed exceeds 6 km/h.
These e-bikes must comply with recognised international safety standards to ensure compliance with NSW laws
It's important to note that petrol-powered bicycles and electric bikes that exceed these power outputs or do not meet legal requirements are prohibited on NSW roads and road-related areas.
Throttles on E-Bikes: What’s Legal?
Throttles allow riders to control power delivery without pedaling, which raises questions about their legality in NSW. The rules are as follows:
Legal throttles: An e-bike can have a throttle that provides power up to 6 km/h without pedaling, typically for assistance in starting or pushing the bike.
Illegal throttles: If the throttle allows power output beyond 6 km/h without pedaling, the e-bike is considered a motor vehicle and must be registered and meet vehicle compliance standards—making it illegal to ride on public roads or shared paths.
Riders should check their e-bike’s specifications to ensure compliance with NSW laws.
Are E-Bikes Legal in NSW?
Yes, e-bikes that meet the regulations mentioned above are legal. You do not need a license or registration to ride one. However, you must follow standard bicycle road rules.
Carrying Passengers on an E-Bike
The law is clear on carrying passengers:
If you want to carry a passenger on your e-bike, the bike must be designed for that purpose.
A bike with a large enough saddle for two riders is likely compliant.
Many e-bikes are specifically designed for carrying a second rider safely.
Carrying a passenger on a non-adapted bike is illegal and can be dangerous.
If carrying passengers is a key need, ensure you purchase an e-bike designed for two riders.
Recent Regulatory Updates
As of February 2025, NSW has introduced new safety measures:
Product Standards: All e-bikes must comply with recognised international safety standards, particularly regarding lithium-ion batteries. Faulty or unapproved batteries have been linked to fires and safety risks.
Footpath Riding Proposal: A parliamentary inquiry has recommended allowing e-bikes to be used on footpaths at speeds up to 15 km/h, though this has not yet been implemented. Riders should stay updated on future rule changes.
Parental Responsibility: Preventing Bike Modifications
Parents and guardians should be aware of their responsibility in ensuring that their children’s e-bikes remain legally compliant. Some riders attempt to 'jailbreak' or modify their e-bikes to exceed legal power and speed limits. This is illegal and can create significant safety hazards, increasing the risk of accidents and liability.
To ensure compliance:
Regularly check the settings and firmware of e-bikes used by younger riders.
Avoid purchasing modification kits that boost power output beyond legal thresholds.
Educate children on why adhering to NSW e-bike regulations is important for their safety and the safety of others.
In the meantime, Pedal Set Go can assist riders with safe route planning and road safety education. We believe that riding is inherently safe when following a few key principles: staying visible, riding predictably, and knowing the road rules. Our approach ensures that all riders can travel safely and confidently.
For more information, check the latest reports from Transport for NSW (TfNSW).
How Pedal Set Go Can Help
At Pedal Set Go, we specialise in all bicycle and e-bike safety and road compliance. We work with families, schools, workplaces, and organisations to ensure that everybody understands road safety and legal requirements. Whether you need help choosing a compliant e-bike, training on safe riding practices, or guidance on workplace e-bike policies, we’ve got you covered.
We also provide personalised e-bike safety training and workshops to help individuals and businesses integrate e-bikes into their transport solutions while following NSW road rules and compliance guidelines.
Conclusion
E-bikes are a fantastic way to travel efficiently and sustainably in NSW, but riders must understand and follow the legal requirements. Ensure that your e-bike complies with power, throttle, and safety standards, and always check for the latest updates from TfNSW.
For further details on NSW e-bike regulations, visit the official Transport for NSW website. Need help with e-bike compliance and road safety? Contact Pedal Set Go today and let’s get you riding safely!
