Parents across New South Wales looking to purchase an electric bike as a Christmas gift are being urged by police to exercise extreme caution. Authorities warn that buying the wrong type of e-bike could lead to serious injury, hefty fines, or even tragic loss of life.
Strict Power Limits and Looming Regulatory Changes
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner David Driver issued a stark reminder about the current legal framework. It is illegal to ride an e-bike with a motor exceeding 500 watts of power output in NSW, a rule that applies even if the motor's power is restricted by software.
Furthermore, a significant regulatory shift is on the horizon. Transport Minister John Graham confirmed that the legal wattage limit is expected to be reduced to 250 watts within the coming months. This change will reverse a 2023 decision by the previous government that raised the limit to 500w, bringing NSW back into alignment with other Australian states and territories.
"We don't want a Christmas present to become the ultimate buyer's regret," Assistant Commissioner Driver stated. "Police don't want someone to make a mistake that costs them their life or causes them serious injury."
Key Rules for Legal E-Bikes and Rider Safety
Understanding what makes an e-bike legal is crucial for parents. Current NSW regulations mandate that a legal e-bike motor must cut off assistance once the bike reaches 25km/h. Additionally, the rider must be pedalling for the motor to engage once the bike hits 6km/h. The motor is designed to assist the rider, not to act as the primary source of propulsion.
Minister Graham emphasised the government's commitment to safety, including reinstating a requirement for imported e-bikes to meet the European EN 15194 standard. Consumers should look for this certification sticker on the bike.
Authorities also raised serious concerns about the proliferation of modified e-bikes. These often involve "chipping" to remove speed limiters or fitting overly powerful motors. Parents must remain vigilant about how easily bikes can be modified, police warned, noting an increase in sightings of such illegal setups.
Substantial Fines for Illegal Use and Unsafe Behaviour
Beyond the bike itself, parents and new riders must be aware of strict rules governing behaviour on e-bikes. The penalties for non-compliance are severe:
- Riding while holding a mobile phone or without a properly fitted, approved helmet carries a $410 fine.
- Other illegal e-bike use, including riding an overpowered bike, can result in an $818 penalty.
- Converted e-bikes with DIY lithium-ion battery setups are illegal on public transport, with fines ranging from $400 to $1100.
Additional rules specify that only riders under 16 (and accompanying adults) can use footpaths, where they must give way to pedestrians. Using a phone for texting, social media, or video calls while riding is also illegal.
"Our message to parents is simple: check the sticker, check the wattage, and have a conversation with your kids about staying safe," Minister Graham concluded. The plea comes after a recent police safety blitz targeting modified e-bikes, highlighting ongoing risks from poor wiring and low-quality parts that can lead to fires.
