NSW Government Moves to Ban Children Under 12 from Riding E-Bikes
The New South Wales Government has unveiled plans to prohibit children under the age of 12 from operating e-bikes by the end of this year. Announced on Friday, the Minns Government's initiative aims to establish a minimum age requirement for e-bike riders, responding to escalating safety concerns across the state and nationwide.
Rapid Growth of E-Bikes Prompts Regulatory Action
In an official statement, the government emphasized the urgent need for clearer and more consistent regulations, citing the explosive growth of e-bikes. Current estimates indicate there are approximately 760,000 e-bikes in NSW, a figure that has climbed rapidly in recent years. Under existing NSW road rules, children of any age are permitted to ride e-bikes, and bicycle riders can carry passengers if the bike's design allows, a situation the government deems hazardous.
Transport Minister John Graham highlighted the serious safety risks posed by the current lack of age restrictions. "At the moment, it's legal for a primary school kid with no peripheral vision who can barely lift one of these bikes to ride it on NSW streets," Graham stated. "It's simply dangerous to have kids as young as 10 or 11 on these high-powered bikes."
Balancing Safety with Accessibility
The government asserts that introducing a minimum age will help "strike the right balance" between enhancing safety for riders and the broader community while maintaining e-bikes as an accessible and popular mode of everyday transport. Graham elaborated, "We want kids on their bikes, we want them outdoors and off their screens, but we don't want them hurting themselves, and that's the common-sense approach we're taking here."
The final minimum age will be determined by an expert review conducted by Transport for NSW, with potential thresholds ranging from 12 to 16 years. Enforcement mechanisms will depend on the age limit set by this review, as clarified by Graham's office.
Comprehensive Reforms Include New Safety Standards
As part of broader regulatory reforms, the government will adopt a European safety standard for e-bikes, which limits motor power to 250 watts and requires power assistance to cut out at 25km/h. This new standard is scheduled to take effect in 2029, providing current e-bike owners with ample time to comply.
"We are increasing the powers of NSW Police to seize and crush illegal e-bikes, and the adoption of the EU standard is part of building a safe and clear framework of rules around this popular form of transport," Graham explained.
Addressing Safety Concerns Amidst Opposition
Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison acknowledged that some riders oppose age restrictions but defended the move as necessary. "While there may be some people who would prefer no age restrictions on riders, we believe the safety risks are significant enough that restrictions need to be rolled out," Aitchison said. "Age restrictions for young riders will help ensure this can be done and reduce the risk of injury for not just young people but also other road users too."
The government's decision follows a tragic incident on December 2, 2025, when an e-bike rider was killed in a collision with a garbage truck in Sydney's Ultimo, underscoring the urgency of these safety measures.
