As e-bikes surge in popularity across NSW, particularly among teenagers, the NSW Government is introducing measures to improve safety and reduce risk for families.

With around 600,000 households now owning an e-bike, and many more expected to buy one this Christmas, parents are being urged to check that any new device is safe, compliant and appropriate for young riders.

The Government is reducing the maximum legal power output of e-bikes in NSW to 250 watts, bringing the state back into line with all other Australian jurisdictions.

This reverses a previous regulatory change that increased the power limit to 500 watts, which has contributed to a wave of high-powered bikes that can be unsafe for children and difficult for parents and police to identify.

The change is aimed at keeping kids safer on roads, bike paths and local streets by reducing access to devices that behave more like electric motorbikes than pedal-assisted bicycles.

The NSW Government is also reviewing the definition of an e-bike in road rules to close loopholes that allow motorcycle-level devices to be sold and ridden as though they are bicycles.

These state changes complement national action. The Commonwealth Government has now committed to reinstating import requirements that ensure e-bikes sold in Australia meet the European safety and quality standard, EN 15194.

This will help keep low-quality, easily modified and dangerous devices out of the country.

The updated rules are expected to take effect within months and will be done in consultation with retailers and the community to ensure a fair transition.

Parents buying an e-bike this Christmas are encouraged to look for:

• A clear EN 15194 sticker or certification
• A motor output of no more than 250 watts
• A reputable brand with proper safety documentation
• A model that has not been modified, “chipped,” or had its speed limiter removed

The Government is also urging parents to talk to their kids about responsible riding: wearing a helmet, not carrying passengers, sticking to bike paths and roads where permitted, and never modifying a device to go faster.

“E-bikes are fantastic for getting kids outside, active and independent but they need to be safe," Minister for Transport John Graham said.

“We’re seeing devices on the market that are far too powerful, too easy to modify and too hard for parents to assess.

“This is about making sure the bike your teenager rides behaves like a bike, not a motorbike.

“Our message to parents is simple: check the sticker, check the wattage, and have a conversation with your kids about staying safe.”

Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner David Driver has urged people to make sure e-bikes comply with NSW law.

“Don’t get pressured by your children, peers or salespeople into buying the most powerful bike.

“Police don’t want someone to make a mistake that costs them their life or causes them serious injury.

“We don’t want a Christmas present to become the ultimate buyer’s regret.”

The Christmas warning comes after police ran an education and compliance operation in the south Sydney area last week.

Operation Trance is a high-visibility policing strategy, involving mobile and stationary enforcement, focusing on distraction and compliance offences.

The operation focuses on general compliance issues including restraints, pedestrians, bicycle riders and vehicle standards, along with the use of non-compliant e-bikes and food delivery motor scooters.

Fines

- $818 for illegal e-bike use.

- $410 for not wearing an approved helmet.

- $410 for holding a mobile phone.

- Riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol can lead to fines or imprisonment.

- Penalties apply for negligent or dangerous riding.