Newcastle schools are taking different approaches to managing e-bike use, with some banning them from school grounds while others focus on education. Kotara High School will ban e-bikes on school premises from Term 2 this year, citing student safety concerns. Whitebridge High School implemented a similar ban in Term 4 of 2025.
Other public high schools, including Merewether High School, Hunter School of Performing Arts, Lambton High School, and Lake Macquarie High School, have chosen not to ban e-bikes. Lambton High School principal James Ostermann said the school has communicated a strong message that illegal or modified bikes are forbidden, and instead focuses on educating students about responsible riding.
Hunter Christian School acting principal Alan Westbury reported no issues with e-bikes and said the school follows Transport NSW guidance. Newcastle Grammar School allows non-modified e-bikes but requires parents to collect modified ones. Deputy head Alan Parsons said the school is exploring an e-bike rider training and registration program based on a Bicycle NSW model.
Schools in the Maitland-Newcastle Catholic Diocese have not banned e-bikes but encourage adherence to road rules and safe riding practices. A spokesperson welcomed government measures such as clearer regulations and effective enforcement.
New state laws allow NSW Police and Transport for NSW to seize and crush illegal e-bikes, targeting throttle-only high-powered e-motorbikes. NSW will also introduce roadside dyno units to test speed limits. Transport Minister John Graham said the powers aim to discourage dangerous use without discouraging safe e-bike use.
