Ebikes are booming across NSW, offering a clean, convenient way to commute and explore. However, they’re not quite the same as regular bicycles under the law. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a parent, or just keen to hit the bike paths, here’s your complete guide to NSW’s e-bike rules on:
- Helmet requirements
- Motor wattage limits
- Pillion passengers & age limits
- Where you can (and can’t) ride
- Speed limits & rules
- Children riding e-bikes
Note: This article is for guidance only. Always check the official Transport for NSW website for the latest regulations.
1. Do You Need to Wear a Helmet on an Ebike in NSW?
Yes – helmets are compulsory for all riders and any passengers on e-bikes in NSW.
“In NSW, bicycle riders must wear an approved helmet that is correctly fitted and fastened.”
— Transport for NSW: Helmet safety Transport for NSW
This applies on roads, bike lanes, shared paths, footpaths (where permitted), and off-road trails.
2. What Is the Legal Wattage for Ebikes in NSW?
NSW law recognises two classes of ebikes:
| Type | Max Motor Power | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Power-Assisted Pedal Cycle | 200 W | Motor only assists while pedalling; total weight < 50 kg Home |
| Electrically Power-Assisted Cycle | 500 W | Throttle assist to 6 km/h; power must reduce above 6 km/h and cut out at 25 km/h Home |
If your e-bike exceeds these wattages or can be propelled solely by the motor, it becomes a motor vehicle—requiring registration, licensing, and insurance.
3. Can You Carry a Pillion Passenger on an Ebike?
Yes—but only when the e-bike is specifically designed for an extra rider:
- Dedicated seating (tandem frame, approved child seat or trailer)
- Footrests for the passenger (unless in a child trailer)
- Both rider and passenger must wear approved helmets
There is no specific NSW statute banning bicycle pillions, but common sense and safety gear are paramount.
4. What Are the Age Limits for Riding with a Pillion Passenger?
- Passenger age: A child passenger must be under 10 years old to ride in a bike trailer or child seat.
- Rider age (footpaths only): Only riders 16 years and over are allowed to ride on footpaths when carrying a child under 10; younger riders may use footpaths freely but must be supervised Transport for NSW.
There is no minimum age to carry a non-child passenger on the road, provided the bike is designed for two.
5. Where Can You Ride an Ebike in NSW?
If your e-bike meets the above wattage and pedalling requirements, it’s legally a bicycle and can be ridden on:
| Location | Allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Roads | ✅ | Obey all road rules; avoid motorways and tunnels NSW Government |
| Bicycle lanes | ✅ | |
| Shared paths & cycleways | ✅ | Give way to pedestrians; ride courteously |
| Footpaths | ➖ | Generally prohibited for riders ≥ 16, except when supervising/escorting a child < 16 or carrying a child < 10 Transport for NSW |
| Pedestrian crossings | ✅* | Must dismount and walk your e-bike across |
| Rail/tram corridors (tramways) | ❌ | Only authorised vehicles; bicycles prohibited NSW Government |
* At marked bicycle crossings with signals, you may ride through if the green bicycle symbol is displayed.
6. What Are the Speed Limits for Ebikes?
- Motor assistance cut-off: 25 km/h (power must progressively reduce above 6 km/h for 500 W models) Home
- Pedalling only: You may exceed 25 km/h under human power alone
- Shared/footpath zones: No fixed limit—ride at a safe, appropriate speed and always give way to pedestrians
Riding with excessive speed—especially on mixed-use paths—can incur fines and endanger others.
7. Can Children Legally Ride Ebikes in NSW?
There is no minimum legal age for riding an e-bike in NSW, but keep these guidelines in mind:
- Under 16 years:
- May ride on footpaths (unless a “No Bicycles” sign applies) Transport for NSW
- Should use ≤ 200 W power-assisted pedal cycles and ride under adult supervision
- 10 years and younger:
- Ideal for off-road or low-traffic areas
- All riders (any age):
- Must wear an approved helmet Transport for NSW
Parents should ensure their child can safely control the e-bike and understands basic road rules before unsupervised rides.
8. Quick Summary of NSW Ebike Laws
| Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Helmets | Mandatory for all riders & passengers Transport for NSW |
| Motor power | ≤ 200 W (pedal-assist), ≤ 500 W (electrically assisted) Home |
| Motor cut-off speed | 25 km/h |
| Pillion passengers | Allowed only on designed seats/trailers; helmets & footrests required |
| Child passenger age | < 10 years old in approved seat/trailer |
| Footpath riding (rider ≥16) | Prohibited except supervising riders < 16 or carrying child < 10 Transport for NSW |
| Where to ride | Roads, bike lanes, shared paths; no motorways or tramways NSW Government |
| Children riding | No min. age; ≤ 200 W for under 16; helmets & supervision recommended |
Official Government References
- Helmet safety: Transport for NSW – Helmet safety Transport for NSW
- E-bike classifications & wattage: NSW Department of Education – Riding e-bikes to/from school Home
- Footpath & passenger rules: Transport for NSW – Riding on footpaths Transport for NSW
- Motorway & tramway bans: Transport for NSW – Road rules for bicycle riders NSW Government
Stay safe, stay legal, and enjoy exploring NSW on two (powered) wheels!