Parents are being warned to do their research and only buy legal e-bikes for their children this Christmas, as police crackdown on modified bikes and dangerous riding.

Around 600,000 households in NSW now own an e-bike. That number is expected to jump after Christmas Day.

Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner David Driver has urged people to be aware of what type of e-bike they are buying and to check the rules to ensure they are purchasing a legal e-bike.

“If you are considering buying an e-bike for Christmas, make sure it complies with NSW law,” Assistant Commissioner Driver said.

“Don’t get pressured by your children, peers or salespeople into buying the most powerful bike.

“Police don’t want someone to make a mistake that costs them their life or causes them serious injury.

“We don’t want a Christmas present to become the ultimate buyer’s regret.”

Assistant Commissioner Driver said parents had a responsibility to ensure the bike was not modified and urged parents to make sure their child could ride the bike safely before they went onto the road or footpath.

“We have seen more modified bikes and powerful motors fitted,” he said. “We need riders to understand the dangers of riding on one wheel, without a helmet or in the dark with no lights.

“An e-bike is illegal if it has a greater power output than 500 watts, even if it is limited by software.

“Parents must remain vigilant and be aware of how easy it can be to modify the bike.”

The NSW Government said it will move to reduce the output power to 250 watts, bringing it in line with all other jurisdictions around Australia.

The NSW Government is also reviewing the definition of an e-bike in road rules to close loopholes that allow motorcycle-level devices to be sold and ridden as though they are bicycles.

These state changes complement national action. The Commonwealth Government has now committed to reinstating import requirements that ensure e-bikes sold in Australia meet the European safety and quality standard, EN 15194. 

This will help keep low-quality, easily modified and dangerous devices out of the country.

The updated rules are expected to take effect within months and will be done in consultation with retailers and the community to ensure a fair transition.

Parents buying an e-bike this Christmas are encouraged to look for:

• A clear EN 15194 sticker or certification
• A motor output of no more than 250 watts
• A reputable brand with proper safety documentation
• A model that has not been modified, “chipped,” or had its speed limiter removed

E-bike rules

- Rider must primarily propel the bike with the pedals.

- Motors are intended to assist when riding uphill or into headwind, not as the primary source of propulsion.

- An electrically power-assisted cycle can only have a maximum power output of 500 watts.

- The electric motor must cut off when the bicycle reaches 25km/h.

- The electric motor should not assist the rider when travelling more than 25km/h but does not prevent the rider travelling faster with their own pedalling or going downhill.

- The motor can be used up to 6km/h before the rider must pedal.

- Illegal e-bikes are not able to be registered in NSW and are therefore unregistered and uninsured motor vehicles.

- All riders and passengers must wear approved helmets that are securely fitted and fastened.

- Only children under 16 years of age or adults accompanying a child under 16 can ride on a footpath, unless there are signs prohibiting bicycle riding.

- Riders need to keep to the left and give way to pedestrians on shared paths or footpaths.

- Mobile phones must be hands free or secured in a commercially manufactured phone holder fixed to the bike.

- It is illegal to text, make video phone calls, use social media, or take photos/videos while riding.

- Visit Transport for NSW e-bike website for more information.

Fines 

- $818 for illegal e-bike use.

- $410 for not wearing an approved helmet.

- $410 for holding a mobile phone.

- Riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol can lead to fines or imprisonment.

- Penalties apply for negligent or dangerous riding.