Pedals and power: E-bike safety in focus

10 April 2025

A group of people riding e-bikes on a gravel path through lush greenery, enjoying an outdoor cycling adventure in a natural environment.

Tweed Shire Council, in partnership with NSW Police and Transport for NSW, is launching a two-week campaign to educate the community about safe e-bike use.

E-bikes are quickly becoming a popular and sustainable mode of transportation in the Tweed, offering riders a fun and efficient way to get around. As more people embrace this shift towards electric cycling, it’s crucial that we all work together to create safer streets for everyone – whether you're riding, walking or driving.

This campaign will not only provide essential information about e-bike regulations but also highlight the consequences of non-compliance.

A two-week safety push

The campaign will unfold in 2 phases:

  1. Education (7 to 14 April): We have collaborated with NSW Police and Transport for NSW to create an educational campaign that will be active both online and in-person. Key locations will feature pop-up stalls where residents can drop in to learn about e-bike laws, road rules and safe riding tips. NSW Police will also engage directly with the community, offering guidance, answering questions and distributing important safety resources. Keep an eye out for additional social media posts throughout the campaign, which will share valuable information for all road users.
    • Saturday 12 April – Murwillumbah Youth Fest | Knox Park | 10 am to 3 pm
    • Sunday 13 April – Pottsville | Philip Street Reserve | 9 am to 12 noon
    • Monday 14 April – Kingscliff | Rowan Robinson Park | 9 am to 12 noon
  2. Enforcement (15 to 20 April): Following the education phase, NSW Police will focus on enforcement. Riders found to be in violation of e-bike laws – such as using illegal modifications or riding unsafely – will face fines.

Understanding e-bike rules: Safety, compliance and enforcement

For an e-bike to be legally ridden in NSW, it must be primarily propelled by pedalling, with a motor that assists the rider without being the sole source of power. The motor’s speed assistance is capped at 25 km/h.

E-bikes that do not meet these criteria are classified as motor vehicles and must be registered, insured and operated by a licensed rider. Riding a non-compliant e-bike on public roads or shared paths can result in fines starting at $723.

Enforcement of bicycle laws

In addition to enforcing e-bike compliance, NSW Police will also issue fines for a variety of cycling-related offences, including:

  • riding on a footpath (if over 16 and not accompanying a child) – $136
  • failing to wear a helmet – $410
  • using a mobile phone while riding – $410 (higher penalties apply in school zones)
  • failing to give way to pedestrians – $136
  • riding negligently, recklessly or dangerously – $544
  • carrying extra passengers – $136

Reporting unsafe riding

While we’re committed to promoting safe riding, we do not have the authority to enforce road rules. If you witness illegal or unsafe e-bike use, we encourage you to report it to your local police station or contact the Police Assistance Line at 131 444.

For more information on e-bike regulations and road safety, visit Transport for NSW’s website or phone Tweed Shire Council’s Road Safety Officer on 02 6670 2400.

By understanding the rules and following safe riding practices, we can all contribute to making Tweed a safer place for e-bike riders and all road users.

Find out more about e-bike safety and road safety.

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