Many of you have shared your concerns about the safety of e-bikes on our roads, shared pathways and footpaths. We hear you, and we are working on a solution.

Over the past few months, Council has been collaborating with the Northern Beaches Police Area Command to audit e-bikes and scooters on local paths. This audit has confirmed several safety issues, including speed, lack of helmet usage, and limited knowledge of NSW Road Rules among young riders.

Council will contact Transport for NSW and the Minister for Roads and urge them to initiate a statewide education campaign and review relevant road rules. Council will also explore ways to better accommodate e-bikes.

In the meantime, we encourage you to familiarise yourself with the current road rules around e-bikes and e-scooters.

What e-bikes are allowed?

There are two types of permitted of e-bikes in NSW: power-assisted pedal cycles and electrically power-assisted cycles.

While e-bikes sold in Australia meet the legal requirements, there is currently no quality control over e-bikes purchased and shipped from overseas retailers.

What rules must e-bike riders follow?

E-bikes are subject to the same rules as bicycles.  To be considered a bicycle the e-bike cannot be propelled exclusively by a motor. E-bikes must not assist pedalling past the speed of 25km/h.

Are e-scooters allowed on roads and paths?

E-scooters cannot legally be ridden on public roads and paths in NSW, only on private property.  The exception is where e-scooter trials are taking place, approved by Transport for NSW. With no trials taking place here, they remain illegal on the Northern Beaches.  

What is Council doing to improve safety?

Council is calling for the NSW Government to review the NSW Road Rules to keep riders, pedestrians and motorists safe.  

With more and more e-bikes appearing in our communities, all councils are grappling with how to keep everyone safe.

Council will submit a motion to the Local Government NSW 2023 Annual Conference to be held in November.  Council will also write to the Minister for Roads and Transport for NSW seeking:

• the development of a community awareness and safety campaign to improve pedestrian and rider safety in respect of e-bikes, including but not limited to education on the current laws in respect of all electric micro mobility devices
• a review of the current NSW Road Rules 2014 and Regulations under the Road Transport Act 2013 to make any necessary changes to improve public safety and to focus on key risk areas: speeding of e-bikes and bicycles on shared paths; e-bike riders approaching and passing pedestrians safely; the carrying of 3 or more pillion passengers on e-bikes and bicycles; the altering of e-bike systems to prevent the requirement for pedalling or preventing top speed controls; and setting an appropriate maximum size and weight of an e-bike to reduce risks to pedestrians
• that the NSW Government provide capital grants to local councils to assist with safety improvements to shared paths

Our Road Safety and Transport Network team will continue to work closely with NSW Police and the community to respond to safety concerns. Together, we hope to improve e-bike safety.

To find out more, visit our website.