Today, Tuesday, 24 March 2026, laws giving NSW Police and Transport for NSW new powers to seize and crush illegal e-bikes were introduced to the NSW parliament, as part of the NSW State Government’s crackdown on dangerous and anti-social e-bike use.
The Road Transport Amendment (Non-registrable Motor Vehicles) Bill 2026 targets the growing number of throttle-only, high-powered e-motorbikes that are fuelling dangerous anti-social behaviour, community frustration and serious injuries.
Essentially if an e-bike is performing like a motorbike, it can be seized and crushed.
E-bikes are everywhere across the Lower North Shore and Northern Beaches right now.
From school drop-offs to weekend rides with friends, they’ve become a popular way for kids to get around. But with that rise in popularity has come a lot of confusion, especially for parents trying to work out what’s legal.
The NSW Government is urging parents to double-check before buying an e-bike for their child. Not all e-bikes sold in shops are legal on our streets.
Many devices marketed as e-bikes are in fact illegal electric motorbikes, with throttle-only operation above 6km/h, excessive power output, or modified speed limiters.
If a device does not meet NSW’s legal definition of a pedal-assisted e-bike, it can be seized and crushed even if it was bought in error.
If your child is riding an e-bike, it’s worth taking a few minutes to check whether it meets NSW rules.
What is a legal e-bike in NSW?
Power-assisted pedal cycles
To be permitted on NSW roads and paths, power-assisted pedal cycles:
- must have one or more motors attached with a combined maximum power output of up to 200 watts
- can’t be propelled only by the motor/s
- weighs less than 50kg (including batteries)
- must have a height-adjustable seat.
Electrically power-assisted cycles.
To be permitted on NSW roads and paths, an electrically power-assisted cycle must have a maximum continued rated power of up to 500 watts. This power output must:
- progressively reduce as the bicycle’s speed increases beyond 6km/h
- cut off when:
- your bicycle reaches a speed of 25km/h
- you stop pedalling and the speed exceeds 6km/h.
Petrol-powered bicycles
All petrol-powered bicycles are illegal on NSW roads and public paths. This includes bicycles that:
- have a petrol-powered engine attached before or after purchase
- are powered by other types of internal combustion engines.
Significant penalties apply for riding these devices and your device may also be seized.
What’s NOT legal?
This is where many families get caught out.
E-bikes are not legal if they:
- Have motors over 250W (or 200W for throttle bikes)
- Can reach high speeds without pedalling
- Are modified (e.g. speed limit removed)
- Look more like electric motorbikes or scooters
These are often sold online or in stores as “e-bikes” but are classified as unregistered motor vehicles.
That means riding one on public roads or paths is illegal even for adults.
Signs your child’s e-bike might not be compliant
If you’re unsure, here are some red flags:
- Your child can ride without pedalling at all
- The bike goes faster than 25 km/h with motor assistance
- It has a large, motorbike-style frame or fat tyres
- There’s no clear label showing power output
- It was bought from an overseas website with little documentation
- If it looks and feels more like a motorbike than a bicycle — it probably is (legally speaking).
Safety rules still apply
Even on a legal e-bike, kids must follow standard bike rules:
- Helmet is mandatory
- Stick to bike lanes, shared paths, or roads
- Follow road rules (yes, that includes traffic lights!)
- No passengers unless the bike is designed for it
Tips for parents buying an e-bike
If you’re considering getting your child an e-bike, here’s how to stay on the right side of the law:
- Buy from a reputable Australian retailer
- Ask for confirmation that it complies with NSW regulations
- Check the power rating and speed limit
- When in doubt, ask: “Is this legal to ride on NSW roads without registration?”
Do not allow your child to modify the bike after purchase. The bikes in our cover photo have been illegally modified and can travel up to 113 kim/h. Both bikes were fitted with aftermarket battery packs and relied entirely on throttles to operate. No pedalling needed.
When in doubt, ask: “Is this legal to ride on NSW roads without registration?”
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