Ebike Safety: NSW Sets Minimum Age and Standards

Published: 20 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

New South Wales is preparing to introduce a minimum age requirement for riding ebikes, aiming to tackle growing safety concerns and limit “dangerous behaviour” among young riders. The Minns government announced the reforms on Friday, highlighting a detailed expert review led by Transport NSW that will recommend a legal minimum age somewhere between twelve and sixteen years. Officials are also considering whether children and teenagers should be allowed to carry passengers, ensuring that safety is the top priority.

The review process will involve consultations with child development specialists, road safety experts, parents, and young people themselves. Findings from this investigation will be presented to the minister for transport and the minister for roads by June, after which the NSW government will make a final determination on age limits and passenger rules. Currently, children of any age can ride an ebike in New South Wales and carry passengers if the bike’s design permits it, a policy that differs significantly from Western Australia’s approach.

Western Australia already enforces a minimum age of sixteen for ebike riders, with penalties for underage riding including fines of fifty Australian dollars. John Graham, the minister for transport in NSW, emphasised the importance of outdoor activity for children but insisted that safety must remain “paramount.” He warned that allowing children as young as ten or eleven to operate high-powered bikes presents serious dangers. These new age restrictions will complement other measures being introduced in New South Wales, such as empowering police to seize and destroy illegal high-powered bikes.

The NSW government noted that ebike ownership has increased rapidly, with approximately 760,000 bikes now registered across the state. While ebikes have encouraged more people to stay active and facilitated easier commuting, authorities stressed the necessity for clearer rules to prevent accidents and misuse. Large gatherings of young riders, often referred to as mass “rideouts,” have raised safety concerns, with federal health minister Mark Butler recently labelling illegal ebikes a “total menace on the roads.”

Statistics illustrate the urgency of reform. In 2024, New South Wales recorded 226 injuries associated with ebikes. By the first seven months of 2025, the state had already experienced 233 injuries and four fatalities linked to these vehicles. Police minister Yasmin Catley explained that implementing an age limit and cracking down on illegal high-powered bikes would allow officers to intervene before more serious harm occurs. She highlighted that police witness firsthand the dangers posed by misused ebikes and stressed the need to maintain them as a safe transport option.

Alongside the age restrictions, the Minns government confirmed it will adopt European safety standards for ebikes, ensuring these vehicles operate more like traditional bicycles rather than motorbikes. Under this framework, modifications that increase power or speed will be prohibited, with maximum power output limited to 250 watts. The power assistance system must disengage when a rider exceeds 25km/h, and it should also cut out when the rider is not pedalling at speeds above 6km/h.

A three-year transition period will allow manufacturers and owners to adjust, with only European-standard compliant bikes considered road-legal in New South Wales from March 2029. Minister Graham acknowledged the challenge of this transition, particularly after previous policies allowed 500-watt bikes. He reassured the public that options would be provided for those wishing to modify existing bikes in line with safety requirements. The government plans to collaborate with manufacturers to guarantee that future ebike stock fully adheres to these updated regulations.

Peter McLean, CEO of Bicycle NSW, welcomed the move to European standards, describing them as “the gold standard” for safety. He praised the convenience and efficiency of ebikes, noting that they are often faster than public transport or private cars, particularly in congested Sydney. McLean emphasised that while ebikes offer significant benefits, their growing popularity underscores the importance of public safety education and responsible usage.

The decision to introduce an age limit comes amid increasing public debate on child safety and traffic regulation. Experts argue that younger riders may lack the coordination and judgment needed to safely navigate urban roads on high-powered electric bikes. By setting a minimum age, authorities aim to reduce injuries and fatalities while still encouraging young people to engage in outdoor physical activity. The consultation with parents and child specialists ensures that policies are informed by both scientific insight and community perspectives.

These reforms also address a broader trend of increasing urban mobility and electric vehicle adoption. As ebikes become more common across cities, striking a balance between accessibility and safety becomes critical. Authorities are particularly concerned about powerful bikes being used inappropriately during mass gatherings, stunts, or group rides that pose risks to both riders and pedestrians. Implementing both age limits and European safety standards is intended to prevent accidents without discouraging the benefits that ebikes provide to daily commuters.

In addition to safety measures, the government is focusing on enforcement. Police will have new powers to identify and remove illegal or unsafe bikes, helping reduce incidents before they occur. Public awareness campaigns are expected to accompany these changes, aiming to educate riders and families about responsible usage. Experts predict that such initiatives, combined with stricter rules and European compliance, will significantly lower injury rates over the coming years.

Families have expressed mixed reactions to the news. Many parents welcome clearer regulations and believe the age limit will reduce risks for their children. Others, particularly those with teenagers who rely on ebikes for commuting, are concerned about potential inconvenience. Government officials have reiterated that public safety takes precedence and that the transition period allows time for adjustments, including ensuring access to compliant bikes.

The popularity of ebikes continues to grow as Sydney and other urban centres face traffic congestion and rising environmental concerns. These vehicles provide a practical, eco-friendly alternative to cars while promoting an active lifestyle. However, the increase in ownership has also correlated with a rise in accidents, prompting urgent calls for regulation. Authorities hope the combined approach of age restrictions, safety standards, and enforcement will allow the public to enjoy ebikes responsibly and reduce preventable injuries.

As New South Wales moves toward implementing these policies, the government emphasises collaboration with manufacturers, retailers, and communities to ensure smooth compliance. The phased introduction of European standards also reflects a recognition of technological advancements and the need for regulatory frameworks to keep pace with innovation. Minister Graham noted that while safety remains the primary concern, the reforms also seek to preserve the benefits of ebikes for commuting and recreation, maintaining a balance between protection and accessibility.

Public health advocates support the measures, highlighting that safer ebike usage can prevent long-term injuries and fatalities among young riders. Road safety campaigns will complement the legislative changes, emphasising responsible riding behaviour, helmet use, and adherence to speed limits. This comprehensive approach reflects a commitment to evidence-based policymaking, aiming to safeguard children while encouraging sustainable transportation options.

In conclusion, New South Wales is poised to introduce minimum age requirements for ebike riders, alongside European safety standards and stricter enforcement of illegal or modified bikes. These measures aim to protect children and young people, reduce accidents, and ensure that ebikes remain a safe, accessible transport option. By balancing innovation, practicality, and safety, the government intends to create a regulatory framework that benefits the public while addressing increasing concerns about road safety.

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