E‑Bike Safety in NSW: New Rules, Certified Batteries and Fire Risks
E‑bikes are a fabulous mobility tool—fun, supportive, and flexible. They help riders of all abilities enjoy transport differently, more freely, and with less effort. But with rising issues like lithium‑ion battery fires, it’s time to sort fact from fiction about what’s safe and legal in New South Wales.
Why we wrote this
We’ve seen a lot of confusion about what’s allowed: from watt limits to fire safety, train access to whether your battery is legal. This post is your guide to e-bike safety in NSW, including how to check if your bike and battery are certified, what rules apply, and how to avoid unsafe choices.
What makes an e-bike legal in NSW?
What makes an e-bike legal in NSW?
To be legally classified as an e-bike (and not a motor vehicle) in New South Wales, your bike must fall into one of two categories:
1. Power-Assisted Pedal Cycle (200 W limit)
Maximum continuous power output: 200 watts
Pedals must be the primary means of propulsion
Motor can only assist while pedalling — throttle-only operation is not permitted
Motor assistance must cut off at 25 km/h
The bike must be under 50 kg, have an adjustable seat, and be safe to use on shared paths and roads
This category is rarely seen now, as most modern e-bikes exceed 200 W and fall under the EPAC standard.
2. Electrically Power-Assisted Cycle (EPAC or Pedelec, up to 500 W)
Maximum continuous motor output: 500 watts
Motor must only operate while pedalling (i.e. no throttle-only mode)
Throttle use is allowed up to 6 km/h, such as for start-up assistance
Motor assistance must cut off at 25 km/h
EPAC e-bikes must comply with AS 15194:2016, a nationally recognised safety standard.
Not legal as a bicycle
If your e-bike has:
More than 500 W, or
Can run using a throttle above 6 km/h without pedalling
…it is legally treated as a motor vehicle. That means it requires:
Registration
A valid licence
Insurance
…and it cannot be used on shared paths, cycleways, or public roads unless those conditions are met.
Are e-scooters legal in NSW?
As of July 2025, e-scooters remain illegal for private use in public spaces in NSW. This includes:
Roads
Footpaths
Cycleways and shared paths
You may only legally ride an e-scooter:
On private property, or
Within a designated trial scheme area, such as parts of Western Sydney or Newcastle
Unlike Queensland, Victoria, or ACT, NSW has not yet fully legalised personal e-scooter use in public. Riders should monitor for regulatory updates as discussions are ongoing.What’s changing in NSW (2025–2026)
Declared electrical goods
E‑bikes, e‑scooters, and their batteries are now considered “declared electrical articles” under the Gas & Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2007. This means stricter regulation, certification, and penalties for non-compliance.
Mandatory certification
From 1 February 2025, all e‑bikes and batteries sold in NSW must be tested and certified. Most commuter-style e-bikes (up to 500 watts) must meet the standard AS 15194:2016.
Mandatory labelling
From 1 February 2026, every new e‑bike must have a permanent certification label on the frame (not just the packaging).
Enforcement
NSW Fair Trading will audit compliance. Fines range from $5,500 for missing information to $825,000 for serious breaches.
Industry support
Organisations like Bicycle Industries Australia and NRMA support these changes, and testing bodies such as SGS SA have expanded certification services.
What is a certified e-bike battery?
A certified battery means your e-bike is:
Legal to sell and ride
Safer to charge and store
Easier to service and repair
To be certified, a battery must:
Pass testing such as IEC 62133, AS/NZS 60335.1 or UN38.3
Include a battery management system (BMS)
Be paired with a certified charger
Display the RCM tick mark
Be listed in the EESS (Electrical Equipment Safety System) database
Please note: The EESS is not easily searchable by the public. We recommend choosing trusted brands and asking your retailer for documentation.
Why e-bike battery fires are a growing concern
In NSW, fire incidents involving lithium-ion batteries have risen sharply:
Around 165 fires in 2022
Around 272 fires in 2023
Approximately 318 fires in 2024
Already over 35 fires reported in early 2025
Most fires are linked to uncertified batteries, unsafe chargers, or DIY conversion kits. Certified systems help prevent overcharging, overheating and thermal runaway—key causes of fire.
E-bike access on public transport: what's happening?
There is growing discussion about e-bike and e-scooter access on trains and other public transport in NSW. However, as of mid-2025, no formal ban or decision has been made.
Transport authorities are reviewing options due to battery fire risks, but no specific devices or solutions have been confirmed. Riders should be aware this may change and could affect access in future—particularly for large or uncertified models.
We recommend staying informed and choosing compliant, foldable or certified gear when planning to use public transport.
Repairs and servicing: what bike shops are saying
Some bike shops may refuse to work on:
Bikes with uncertified or unknown batteries
Imported kits with no compliance documentation
Mismatched chargers or conversion systems
This is not about being difficult—it’s about safety and insurance. Many shops are not insured to work on uncertified gear, and battery fires during servicing are a real risk.
Buying a certified e-bike from a reputable seller makes it far easier to get future repairs or upgrades.
E-bike safety checklist (before you buy)
Use this checklist to stay safe and compliant:
Buy, if the e-bike:
Has an RCM tick mark
Comes with a certified charger
Is labelled to AS 15194:2016
Can be serviced locally
Is from a known brand with local support
Avoid if the e-bike:
Has no brand or certification info
Includes conversion parts with no paperwork
Was imported from a seller that won’t offer servicing
Can’t be confirmed as compliant by the seller
Before you buy, ask, “Can I get this serviced in 12 months?” If the answer is unclear, walk away.
Retailers have until end of 2025 – what this means for you
Retailers and importers have until 31 December 2025 to ensure everything they sell is certified and properly labelled. That means:
Some non-compliant stock may still be available in 2025
Labelling isn’t mandatory on-bike until February 2026
The risk still rests with the buyer if problems arise
If you’re buying an e-bike this year:
Ask for documentation
Be cautious about online-only listings
Avoid bikes with no known service support
Prefer trusted local sellers who understand the law
Just because something is still for sale doesn’t mean it’s safe—or that you’ll be able to use it without problems in 2026.
What this means for riders
These changes aren’t about making things harder. They’re designed to protect riders, repairers, and everybody sharing public space. Safe, certified e-bikes are easier to ride, easier to fix, and safer for your home and community.
Why e-bike training matters — even if “it’s just like riding a bike”
Riding an e-bike can feel easy — but extra speed, weight, and acceleration catch many people off guard. We’ve seen plenty of near misses (and real injuries) that could have been prevented with just a bit of professional guidance.
Many riders never learned the fundamentals properly to begin with. Add a motor, and things can go wrong more quickly—even on local trips or slow-speed rides. E-bikes:
Brake differently
Corner differently
Require better balance when mounting and dismounting
Need more spatial awareness, especially in traffic or shared zones
That’s where we come in.
We offer tailored e-bike safety training
Our sessions are built for real riders using real e-bikes — whether you’re brand new, switching from a pushbike, or just want a confidence boost. We cover:
Safe starts and controlled braking
Group riding awareness
Adjusting to power modes and battery behaviour
What to do if something goes wrong mid-ride
How to communicate clearly with other road/path users
It’s not about passing a test — it’s about making your ride smoother, safer, and less stressful.
E-bikes are a fabulous mobility tool. Let’s make sure you’re riding them with confidence.
Ride smart. Ride safe. Ride certified.
