Twelve or 16? Extent of age limit for e-bike riders under scrutiny
Sydney Morning Herald
by Matt O'SullivanFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The NSW government is reevaluating the age limit for e-bike riders, considering raising it from 12 to 16 years old as part of efforts to address concerns about unruly behavior and safety risks associated with high-powered e-bikes. Transport Minister John Graham has emphasized that the decision is complex, particularly in regional areas where younger riders rely on e-bikes for transportation to school. The government is also exploring stricter regulations under a European safety standard (EN15194), which limits power output and ensures bikes cannot be modified for higher speeds.
The review aims to determine whether children and teenagers have the necessary skills, maturity, and awareness to safely operate e-bikes, especially when carrying passengers. Current laws allow even primary school-aged children to ride e-bikes on NSW roads, a practice Graham describes as dangerous due to the high power of some models. The government is adopting EN15194 standards to classify e-bikes more like traditional bicycles, reducing risks posed by illegal motorbikes masquerading as e-bikes.
The new standards will take effect next month but won’t be enforced until March 2029, allowing a three-year transition period for existing owners of high-powered bikes purchased legally under previous rules. Advocacy groups, including Bicycle NSW and Bicycle Industries Australia, support the European standard, calling it the "gold standard" for safety and quality. The standards require manufacturers to prevent modifications that increase speed or power beyond legal limits.
Critics argue that enforcement mechanisms are lacking, with police needing clearer tools to address rider behavior. Opposition officials have proposed mandatory e-bike licence plate registration as a solution. The government faces growing pressure to regulate e-bikes after incidents
Verticals
worldaustralia
Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/20/2026