‘Seriously hurt’: NSW cracks down on e-bikes, introduces sweeping reforms

A minimum age to ride an e-bike is being introduced as part of sweeping reforms to NSW e-bike use.

The Minns government says a legal minimum age between 12 and 16 will be recommended in an expert review led by Transport for NSW, which will also consider whether children and teenagers have the skills and maturity to safely carry passengers.

Under the new framework, NSW Transport will lead a review into the appropriate age restriction for e-bikes and, alongside the NSW Office for Youth and Young People, will “listen directly to parents and young people before making a final decision on the appropriate age threshold” in June this year.

As part of the sweeping changes, the Minns government has given new powers to police to seize and crush illegal e-bikes.

They have also announced a trial of “dyno units” that measure e-bike speeds in roadside compliance checks.

The state will adopt the European safety and performance standard, ensuring e-bikes perform like bicycles and “the current crop of high-powered, illegal motorbikes masquerading as e-bikes are removed from the state’s roads and footpaths”.

Under this standard, e-bikes must have a maximum power output of 250W, with a maximum speed of 25km/h.

No power assistance will be possible after 6km/h if the rider isn’t pedalling the e-bike.

“The standard also includes strict battery, electrical and fire-safety requirements as well as anti-tampering protections to prevent power and speed limits being altered,” a government statement read.

The European standard will be implemented on March 1, 2029.

Urgent calls for e-bike reform after 'e-bike gang' spotted riding along Sydney Harbour Bridge

Under the new compliance rules, retailers will be required to clearly specify if their e-bikes are compliant.

Transport Minister John Graham said he was concerned the heavy and speedy e-bikes could pose a threat to children.

“We want children outdoors and active but keeping them safe is paramount,” he said.

“I am concerned that we have primary school-aged children trying to control e-bikes that in some cases are heavier than them.”

The rules come after a swath of people on e-bikes and motorbikes rode illegally on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

About 40 high-powered e-bike and motorcycle riders were filmed swerving between traffic shortly before peak hour on February 3, performing wheelies and filming themselves in the act.

Riding bicycles and e-bikes along the main deck of the Sydney Harbour Bridge is illegal.

Mr Graham said the community was desperate for changes to e-bike regulations.

“The community has spoken against souped-up motorbikes masquerading as an e-bike and this new standard makes clear that e-bikes must perform like bicycles not motorbikes,” he said.

Police Minister Yasmin Catley said the regulations were an important step towards improving safety.

“By introducing sensible age settings and cracking down on illegal, high-powered bikes, we are helping police prevent dangerous behaviour before more people are seriously hurt,” she said.

“The vast majority of people do the right thing, and these laws are designed to support them.

“This is about getting the balance right so e-bikes remain a useful transport option without putting the public at risk.”