BE VERY CAREFUL ABOUT ANY PLANNED E – BIKE/SCOOTER/SKATEBOARD PURCHASES
In the coming months the rules around e-bikes, e-scooters and e-skateboards are set to significantly change. Most importantly, this is linked to fire safety, as fire sometimes occurs during the charging of these devices. As a secondary safety concern is the obvious danger to both riders and pedestrians in the way that some of these small vehicles are being ridden/driven.
To prevent future fires starting by the charging of these small e-mobility devices, strict new rules will apply to the makes and models that will be permitted for sale in NSW. In the first instance, these new quality requirements will only apply in NSW and it is unclear whether or not other States will follow suit. I make this point so that it is clear that buying one of the devices in another State, once our new NSW rules come into place, won’t make you or your home safer, nor will it make the vehicle a lawful device for use in NSW.
Going forward, to sell an e-bike or e-scooter or e-skateboard in NSW the device will have to undergo strict testing to satisfy our standards and be approved for sale. This likely means that during August/Sept/Oct it might be hard to buy one.
The other consideration around these small e-vehicles is that there are currently many examples and models that do not meet our current rules and guidelines. For example, an e-bike should not be able to be powered by an accelerator alone – it should only work when a person is also pedalling. As another example, an e-scooter should only currently be ridden inside of private property and not out on public streets, roads or footpaths at all.
Also, some bicycles are having small motors fitted to them after purchase making them entirely illegal for use. But often, when a young person convinces a parent to allow these changes to the bicycle, the parent has no idea that they are saying “yes” to a completely illegal modification. And some of these illegal motors can do speeds of 60kmh putting the rider and pedestrians in great danger.
So, if you are considering a purchase of one of these e-devices please keep in mind that (1) the rules about what can be sold in NSW are about to dramatically change for the sake of your safety; and (2) in early 2026 enforcement of the rules around e-bikes, e-scooters and e-skateboards look set to dramatically increase, also for the safety of all of us.
What are the current fines? Illegal e-bike use attracts a fine of $818. Not wearing a helmet is a $410 fine. And using a mobile phone while riding an e-bike will attract another $410 fine.
The current fines for e-scooters are the same as an unregistered car or motorbike: $686 – $2200 for using an unregistered vehicle as well as $686 – $5500 for using an uninsured vehicle and of course there is the $410 option for not wearing a helmet.
So parents and carers be warned – the well-intended and kind gesture of buying an e-device in these coming months, or in recent years, could end up costing you a lot more than you had planned. To avoid this type of trouble, buy locally (in NSW) and have a good talk to your retailer about what’s OK and what’s not. Don’t buy online and don’t buy interstate.