New South Wales Implements Minimum Age Limit for Ebike Riders

The New South Wales (NSW) government is set to introduce a minimum age requirement for riding electric bikes (ebikes) as part of a broader initiative to enhance safety and mitigate dangerous behaviors associated with their use. The reforms, announced by the Minns government, will establish a legal minimum age limit between 12 and 16 years. This decision follows an expert review conducted by Transport NSW, which will also evaluate whether children and teenagers should be permitted to carry passengers on ebikes. The review aims to gather insights from child development and road safety experts, parents, and young riders, with findings expected to be submitted to the ministers for transport and roads by June.

The Guardian

Currently, NSW regulations allow children of any age to ride ebikes and carry passengers, provided the bike design permits it. This has raised safety concerns, particularly in light of a significant increase in ebike usage, with approximately 760,000 ebikes registered in the state. The state recorded 226 injuries related to ebikes in 2024, which escalated to 233 injuries and four fatalities in the first seven months of 2025. The police minister, Yasmin Catley, emphasized that the age limit and stricter regulations on illegal, high-powered bikes aim to prevent further injuries.

The Guardian

Transport Minister John Graham highlighted the importance of balancing outdoor activities for children with safety measures, stating, “It’s simply dangerous to have kids as young as 10 or 11 on these high-powered bikes.” He acknowledged the need for clearer regulations amid rising safety concerns, particularly following mass "rideouts" involving young riders. Federal Health Minister Mark Butler referred to illegal ebikes as a “total menace on the roads,” reinforcing the urgency of the reforms.

The Guardian

In conjunction with the age restrictions, the NSW government will adopt European safety standards for ebikes, which will classify them similarly to push bikes rather than motorbikes. Under these standards, ebikes will have a maximum power output of 250 watts, with power assistance ceasing at 25 km/h and cutting out at 6 km/h when the rider is not pedaling. A three-year transition period will be implemented, during which only ebikes compliant with these standards will be considered road-legal in NSW from March 2029. Graham acknowledged the challenges posed by previous regulations that allowed 500-watt ebikes and assured that the government would collaborate with manufacturers to ensure compliance.

The Guardian

While the reforms have garnered support, some critics argue that the implementation timeline may not adequately address the immediate safety concerns posed by the current ebike landscape. Bicycle NSW CEO Peter McLean expressed satisfaction with the introduction of European standards, describing them as the "gold standard" for safety. He noted the increasing popularity of ebikes necessitates public safety education to complement the new regulations.

The Guardian

The NSW government will finalize the age limit and passenger regulations based on the upcoming review findings, with the potential for further adjustments to enhance public safety in the rapidly evolving ebike sector.

The Guardian