E-bike safety in the Tweed

E-bike Are you considering hopping onto the e-biking trend in the Tweed? We've got you covered with all the essential information you need to ride safely and legally.

Are e-bikes allowed?

Yes, you can ride e-bikes in NSW.  There are 2 types:

  • power-assisted pedal cycles (ones that help you pedal):
    • has one or more motors attached with a combined power output of up to 200 watts
    • can’t be propelled only by the motor
    • weighs less than 50kg (including batteries)
    • has a height adjustable seat
  •  electrically  power-assisted cycles (ones with electric power)
    • has a maximum continued rated power of up to 500 watts
    • power output must be progressively reduced as the bike’s speed increases beyond 6 km/h
    • the power output must be cut off when the bike reaches 25 km/h
    • the power output must also be cut off when you stop pedalling and the speed exceeds 6km/h.

What do I need to know about e-bike requirements?

Petrol-powered bikes and e-bikes that don’t meet the legal specifications are not allowed on public roads or paths, only on private property. For more information about legal specifications for e-bikes visit Centre for Road Safety's e-bikes page.

Skateboards with motors are mostly not allowed unless used as help for people with disabilities.

Mopeds are not legal for use by licenced riders or to be ridden on footpaths, shared paths or beaches. A moped is a small motorcycle with an internal combustion engine with a capacity not exceeding 50ml or an alternative power source (eg an electric motor). They have a maximum speed limit of 50km/h, may be 2 or 3-wheeled and may be pedal-assisted. Mopeds are legal on NSW roads only if:

  • they are entered on the Register of Approved Vehicles or for older models, fitted with an identification or compliance plate
  • compliant with vehicle standards
  • registered
  • ridden by a licenced rider.

Where can I ride my e-bike?

You can ride e-bikes on roads and shared paths. But don't ride them across road crossings, children’s crossings or pedestrian crossings. When you come to those, get off your e-bike and walk.

The start and end of shared paths are usually marked with these signs:

Shared path signs

You generally cannot ride on a footpath unless you’re under 16 years old or if you’re supervising a child who is under 16 years old and riding a bike. Share the space, maintain visibility and respect other road users.

The paths through town centres or CBDs, such as Tweed, Murwillumbah and Cabarita, are footpaths. These are busy pedestrian areas and we encourage all riders to dismount and ‘walk your wheels’.

Like standard bikes, compliant e-bikes are permitted to ride on beaches. Riders should be cautious of walkers, people sitting on beaches and in off-leash dog beaches.

Check out our Coast Cycleway map(PDF, 952KB) for more information on where to ride your bike.

How fast can I go?

 In NSW, e-bikes have a maximum legal speed limit of 25 km/h. The motor on e-bikes shouldn't make you go faster than 25 km/h. However, if you're pedalling faster or going downhill, you might exceed the limit, so keep an eye on your speed.

What protective gear do I need?

All riders must wear an Australian and New Zealand (AS/NZS 2063) approved helmet that fits you well and is done up properly. Any passengers will also need a helmet.

All bikes must have:

  • effective brakes
  • front and rear lights
  • rear reflector
  • bell, horn or other warning device.

What are the rules for my e-bike?

Treat e-bikes like regular bikes.

Stay safe by obeying traffic signals, signs, lane markings and other road rules just like any other vehicle. If you break the traffic rules, you may get a fine on the spot.

Here are some of the rules:

  • Under Road Rules 2014 (NSW) s.245, riders cannot ride ‘negligently, furiously or recklessly’. Riding a bike negligently means riding to endanger the life of yourself or others.
  • Riders in New South Wales are not permitted to ride across a road crossing, children’s crossing or pedestrian crossing. Riders must dismount and ‘walk their wheels’.
  • When riding in traffic, riders must follow the road rules including stopping at red lights, stop signs and give way signs if there is traffic on the crossway, and when entering a roadway from a driveway.
  • Keep left of oncoming bike riders or pedestrians on footpaths or shared paths.
  • Riders must obey road rules including using hand signals.

Remember:

  • Adjust your speed – travel at a safe speed so you can stop.
  • Be careful around young children and dogs – they are unpredictable.
  • Be careful around older pedestrians as they are vulnerable to serious injury.
  • Give way to pedestrians- slow down and prepare to stop if necessary.

Familiarise yourself with the road rules.

Can riders double with other riders?

A rider cannot carry more people than the e-bike is designed to carry. For example, if there is a single seat on the bike, only one person can ride on the bike.

Can riders have child seats installed or transport children in trailers attached to the rear of e-bikes?

Riders can ride with a child seat or a person in a bike trailer if they meet approved standards and are attached correctly.

Riders can tow a bike trailer with a person in the trailer if the rider is 16 year old or older, and the person in the trailer is under 10 years old, and if the person in the trailer is wearing an approved bike helmet that is securely fitted and fastened.

Are children allowed to ride e-bikes?

Yes. There are currently no age restrictions on riding personal e-bikes. To hire a ride share e-bike you must be over 14 years old and have permission from your guardian.

Staying safe on our roads with our support To learn about how we build, upgrade and maintain a safe and connected local road network, including how we prioritise road maintenance projects, visit our roads page. 

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