Riding e-bikes and petrol powered bikes to and from school
E-bikes are growing in popularity. It’s important for schools to be aware of the laws, rules and regulations around the use of these devices.
E-bikes
In NSW, there are two types of permitted e-bikes:
1. A power-assisted pedal cycle:
- has 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)
- has a height-adjustable seat.
2. Electrically power-assisted cycle:
An electrically power-assisted cycle has a maximum continued rated power of up to 500 watts. This power output must be:
- progressively reduced 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.
The rider must primarily propel these bikes – a motor can't be the only source propelling it. The motor should only help the rider, like when going uphill or facing strong winds.
Petrol-powered bicycles
All petrol-powered bicycles are illegal on NSW roads and road-related areas like footpaths, shared paths, cycle ways and cycle paths.
This includes bicycles that:
- have a petrol-powered engine attached before or after purchase
- are powered by other types of internal combustion engines.
Petrol-powered bicycles are usually much faster than regular bicycles, reaching moped and small motorcycle speeds. They are also usually only equipped with a standard brake system. A standard brake system is not designed to stop effectively from a high speed. This increases the risk of a crash and injury to the rider and other vulnerable road users.
Action required:
If you have students riding to and from school using petrol-powered bicycles or e-bikes that don't comply with legislative standards, principals should:
- inform the student and their parents/carers that it is illegal to ride these bicycles outside private property
- ban storage of these petrol-powered bicycles on school property.
Support Materials:
Students will critically analyse the regulations surrounding e-bikes in New South Wales, exploring the distinctions between power-assisted pedal cycles, electrically power-assisted cycles, and the prohibition of petrol-powered bicycles.
- Transport for NSW brochure – Bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters (PDF – Brochure)
Share this information with parents and carers via school communication channels.