More and more people are taking up small mobility devices to make short trips and explore NSW. Some of these devices are powered by an electric motor and battery.
Learn the difference between devices, what the rules are and how to stay safe when riding in NSW.
- E-bikes which meet the requirements are legal to own and operate on public roads and road-related areas in NSW.
- E-scooters are legal to own but are illegal to operate on NSW roads and road-related areas including footpaths, shared paths and bicycle lanes. Privately owned e-scooters must only be used on private property.
- NSW Shared E-scooter trial program is currently active across several locations. Information about active trial sites is available on the Transport for NSW website.
- A NSW Parliamentary inquiry was established in June 2024 to inquire into and report on the use of e-scooters, e-bikes and related mobility options.
E-Mobility devices and legislation around these devices is consistently changing. The latest information can be found in this Toolkit. This is also a great resource for safety and general information.
E-scooters
View the latest information on e-scooters.
Personal e-scooters
- Personal e-scooters remain illegal on NSW roads and road-related areas, including footpaths, shared paths and bicycle lanes.
- You can only use these on private property.
Shared e-scooters
- Shared e-scooters can only be used in trial sites
- You must be at least 16 years of age to ride a shared e-scooter.
- It is illegal to ride on footpaths
- You must wear an approved bicycle helmet, that is securely fitted and fastened, at all times.
- You are limited to travel speeds of 10km/h on shared paths and 20km/h on roads and bicycle lanes.
The latest information on E-scooters can be found at Transport for NSW website.
E-bike requirements
There are two types of permitted e-bikes:
| E-bike type | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Power-assisted pedal cycle |
Has one or more motors attached with a combined maximum power output of up to 200 watts. Weighs less than 50kg (including batteries) Has a height-adjustable seat. |
| Electrically power-assisted cycles |
Has a maximum continued rated power of up to 500 watts. This power output must be: Progressively reduced as the bicycle’s speed increases beyond 6km/h Cuts off when your bicycle reaches a speed of 25km/h or you stop pedalling and the speed exceeds 6km/h. |
NSW will soon be changing the rules for e-bikes. Choose a bike that meets European Standard EN 15194 – it’s legal to ride now and in the future. Check for the EN 15194 mark or ask your retailer.
Petrol-powered bicycles are illegal on NSW roads and road-related areas.
The rider must primarily propel these bikes – a motor can’t be the only source of propelling it. The motor should only help the rider, like when going uphill or facing strong winds.
Riders do not need a licence to ride an e-bike.
E-bike riders must comply with the same road uses as bicycles.
| Rider Group | Requirements & Guidelines |
|---|---|
| E-bike riders 16+ |
The electric motor should not assist the rider when travelling more than 25km/h. Riders must wear an approved helmet which is securely fitted and fastened. Penalties apply. E-bike riders must comply with the same road rules as bicycles. |
| Families of e-bike riders under 16 years |
The electric motor should not assist the rider when travelling more than 25km/h. Riders must wear an approved helmet which is securely fitted and fastened. Penalties apply. Make sure your child always wears a helmet when they ride. Wearing a helmet from the moment they start learning to ride helps develop it as a habit and reduces the risk of head injuries. E-bike riders must comply with the same road rules as bicycles. Until your child is at least 10 years old, they should ride off-road away from vehicles and driveways. Children under 16 and adult riders accompanying and supervising them may ride on the footpath unless signs specifically prohibit bicycle riding. |
Check out the road rules for bicycle riders
Penalties (from NSW Police):
- Fines from $818 for illegal e-bike use.
- Fines for not wearing an approved helmet from $410
- Riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol can lead to fines or imprisonment.
- On the spot fines for holding a mobile phone from $410
- Penalties apply for negligent or dangerous riding.
Note: If you are involved in an incident that results in injury or damage to a person’s property, you may be financially liable.
For more information, check out the NSW Police website.
Other information
Risks associated with modified or converted devices:
Converted e-bikes are defined as regular pedal bikes that have been fitted with batteries and motors. These have higher risk of electrical failure due and fire risk due to DIY installations, inadequate wiring and use of second-hand batteries and incompatible or poor-quality components.
Battery repairs, servicing and installations should always be carried out by an experienced e-bike mechanic.
A significant proportion of incidents involving lithium-ion batteries are from equipment that has been built or engineered by inexperienced people.
Working on lithium-ion batteries can be highly dangerous. Serious injuries and fatalities have occurred when batteries have been mishandled.
Cheap, unprotected, and second-hand batteries used in DIY projects have led to severe fires causing significant loss.
E-bike and e-scooter battery safety
Lithium-ion batteries are the fastest growing fire risk in New South Wales. It is important for you to understand the risks and be prepared if things go wrong.
Prepare
- Make sure a smoke alarm or heat alarm is working in rooms where it is charged or stored.
- Make sure that there's nothing around it that could catch on fire.
- Don't charge in or near living-spaces like bedrooms or living rooms.
- Charge in an open area like a garage or shed, away from exits.
- Only charge on hard surfaces that can't catch on fire like concrete floors or tiles.
When to charge
- Do not charge batteries when sleeping or not at home. Remember, you can't smell smoke when you're asleep.
- Once the battery is full, disconnect it from the charger.
- Don't use and charge batteries that are swelling or bulging, leaking, or overheating.
Charging
- If the charger didn't come with the device or battery don't use it. Only use approved chargers to charge your battery.
- Just because the plug fits, it doesn't mean it's compatible.
- Only use chargers that show visible approval marks and comply with Australian Standards.
- Charging a device or battery with the wrong power output (voltage and current), can cause damage to the battery and overheat it which can cause a fire.
Relevant links to state government advice, current legislation and safety information
- Bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters
- E-bikes: Advice for families
- E-scooters: Advice for families
- Choosing a legal e-bike
- Special road rules for bicycle riders
- Rules for riding bikes in traffic
- Riding bikes near pedestrians
- Battery and Charging Safety Fire Fact Sheet
- Electric Bike and Scooter Charging Safety
