NSW e-bike laws: what riders need to know in 2026

NSW recognises two kinds of e-bike. In both, you do most of the work: the motor only helps you pedal, and a bike the motor moves on its own is not a legal e-bike.

• Electrically power-assisted cycle: a continuous rated power of up to 500 watts. Assistance must reduce as you go faster than 6 km/h and cut out at 25 km/h, or as soon as you stop pedalling above 6 km/h.
• Power-assisted pedal cycle: one or more motors with a combined output of up to 200 watts, a height-adjustable seat, and a total weight under 50 kg including batteries.

A throttle or walk-assist mode may only work up to 6 km/h.

Petrol-powered bicycles are illegal on NSW roads and public paths. An e-bike that can put out more than 500 watts is illegal even if software limits it to 500 watts or lower, and an over-powered bike, or one whose motor keeps helping above 25 km/h, may be treated as a motor vehicle that needs registration, a licence and insurance.

In December 2025 the NSW Government announced plans to cap e-bike power at 250 watts, in line with other Australian states, and says it is working to change the NSW Road Rules as soon as possible.

• From 1 March 2029, e-bikes on NSW roads must comply with the European safety standard EN 15194.
• Under the planned rules, e-bikes rated between 250 and 500 watts, and e-bikes up to 250 watts that don’t meet the standard, will be illegal on NSW roads. So will bikes that can exceed 250 watts but are limited by software.
• If you bought a 500-watt e-bike legally, the Government says you will need to switch to a compliant model by 1 March 2029, after which non-compliant bikes can be seized. It says it will work with retailers, industry and the community on transition arrangements.

Buying an e-bike? Ask the retailer whether it meets EN 15194, or look for the EN 15194 EPAC mark.

You must wear an approved bicycle helmet while riding an e-bike. Not wearing one carries a fine from $423.

• Roads (including bike lanes), shared paths and bicycle paths.
• Not where “No bicycles” signs apply: councils can use these signs to restrict riding.
• Adults can’t ride on footpaths, and the fine is $140. Riders under 16, and people with specific exemptions such as some medical conditions or postal workers, may ride on footpaths.
• Obey the road’s speed limit, give way to pedestrians on shared paths, and ride to the conditions.

• Only use a phone hands-free or mounted in a holder, as in a car: no texting or holding the phone for calls or social media.
• Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs is an offence and can lead to a fine or a court charge.
• Reckless riding carries a $562 fine.

A legal e-bike doesn’t need registration, and you don’t need a driver’s licence to ride one. Insurance isn’t required, though some riders take it out for crashes or theft.

• Since 1 July 2022, food delivery platforms must give their riders high-visibility protective equipment: a high-visibility vest and a food bag.
• Since 31 January 2023, riders must wear or use that equipment while delivering ($144 fine for each offence), and carry their training verification record to show a SafeWork NSW inspector or a police officer if asked.
• Gig-economy riders must also complete a safety induction.

Police can stop and inspect an e-bike they suspect is illegal, checking things like throttle use and speed. Legal Aid NSW says police can take an illegal e-bike off a public road immediately, and that it may be destroyed. NSW is also funding three portable dyno units, to be trialled in hotspots, that test whether a motor cuts out at 25 km/h.

Fire and Rescue NSW attended 75 fires caused by e-micromobility devices between 1 January and 1 September 2025.

• Use a charger recommended by the manufacturer. Charge on a hard surface like concrete or tiles, in an open area such as a garage or shed. Avoid bedrooms and living spaces, and never charge while sleeping or away from home.
• Stop using a battery that is swelling, leaking, cracked, smoking, overheating, water-damaged or losing charge quickly.
• Don’t put lithium-ion batteries in the bin: take them to a Community Recycling Centre or another drop-off point listed by the NSW EPA.
• From 1 February 2026, e-micromobility products in NSW must be tested, certified and carry an approval mark.