I am advised
(1) Power-assisted pedal cycles (aka E-bikes) have been permitted for more than 40 years. Currently there are two types of permitted e-bikes: Power-assisted pedal cycles and Electrically powerassisted cycles.
Power-assisted pedal cycle is defined in Commonwealth legislation, the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule - Definitions and Vehicle Categories) 2005 determined under the Road Vehicle Standards Act, section 12. This definition is adopted in NSW.
NSW Road Rules amendments in 2023 enabled increases to the power of electrically powerassisted bicycles on NSW roads. This type of e-bike can now have a maximum continued rated power of 500 watts compared to 250 watts under the previous definition. This is to assist cyclists on larger inclines and when carrying heavy loads. The motor is still required to progressively reduce its output above 6 km/h and to cut out entirely at 25 km/h, as was the case when limited to 250 watts.
(2) It is difficult to determine behavioural issues relating to e-bikes from NSW crash data as the data does not identify e-bikes as a separate category to bicycles. However, crash data shows that 10% of bicycle riders involved in crashes were not wearing a helmet.
The use of non-compliant, high-powered e-bikes, including bikes that operate at speed without the rider pedalling, presents a safety risk to both riders and other road users. Speed contributes to both the risk of having a crash and the severity of injuries from the crash.
(3) E-bikes that comply with road transport legislation in their design (including power output/ speed requirements) and are used in a compliant and considerate manner by riders, do not represent an increased risk to road safety outcomes.
The use of non-compliant, high-powered e-bikes, including bikes that operate at speed without the rider pedalling, presents a safety risk to both riders and other road users as these devices do not meet appropriate safety standards.
The devices are illegal and significant penalties apply for their use on the road (or on road related areas) as unregistered vehicles.
(4) The NSW Government continues to monitor the regulatory framework to ensure safety for all road users. Enforcement is the responsibility of the NSW Police Force.
E-bikes that comply with regulations are considered equivalent to bicycles, and the same road rules apply including wearing an approval bicycle helmet. Riders must also give way to pedestrians on shared paths.
(5) Transport for NSW supports and encourages the use of E-bikes that comply with road transport legislation in their design (including power output/ speed requirements) and are used in a compliant and considerate manner by riders.
The use of non-compliant, high-powered e-bikes, including bikes that operate at speed without the rider pedalling, presents a safety risk to both riders and other road users as these devices do not meet appropriate safety standards.
These devices are illegal and significant penalties apply for their use on the road (or on road related areas) as unregistered vehicles.
(6) Transport for NSW monitors road safety legislation and actively contributes to the development of the Australian Road Rules (the basis for the NSW rules) on an ongoing basis on behalf of the NSW Government. Transport for NSW has developed and is in the process of developing additional education materials to raise community awareness about bicycle safety including e-bikes.
- The Share the Road campaign provides both riders and drivers with advice for travelling together safely.
- Details of bicycles that meet the requirements for permitted e-bikes on public roads and road related areas in NSW can be found on the Centre for Road Safety section of the Transport for NSW website.
- Transport for NSW has also worked closely with the Food Delivery Rider Industry and other organisations such as SafeWork NSW to support changes to keep Food Delivery riders safe. Education materials have been developed specifically for this industry to support safe behaviours when delivering food.
The NSW Government wants walking and bike riding to be the preferred way to make short trips and a viable, safe and efficient option for longer trips. We estimate that more than 1.5 billion walking and bike riding trips are taken per year across New South Wales. We want to double this number in 20 years.
Funding for active transport projects is offered to councils across NSW through the Get NSW Active program, a competitive grants program. Since 2011, more than $600 million has been allocated through Get NSW Active by Transport to local councils for walking and cycling projects. Over 1000 projects have been funded including footpaths, cycleways, and improved safety features that contribute to healthier, more connected communities throughout NSW.
Transport for NSW is aware of requests relating to e-bike safety from several local government areas.
(7) The NSW Government continues to monitor the regulatory framework and to deliver communications around e-bike safety, and the NSW Police Force enforces the road rules. These ongoing measures are designed to ensure safety for all road users.
