The New South Wales Government has moved to reduce the maximum legal power output of e-bikes to 250 watts, bringing the state back in line with all other Australian jurisdictions.
This reverses a previous regulatory change that increased the power limit to 500 watts, a move that has contributed to a wave of high-powered, potentially dangerous bikes entering the market.
The move aims to reduce young people's access to devices that behave more like electric motorbikes than pedal-assisted bicycles.
It follows in the wake of increased e-bike-related injuries, including the serious injury and death of several young people across Australia.
The state government is also reviewing the definition of an e-bike in the road rules to close loopholes that allow devices closer to electric motorcycles to be sold and ridden as if they are e-bikes.
These state changes reflect changes at the national level, with the Commonwealth Government having now committed to reinstating the European e-bike safety and quality standard, EN 15194.
Minister for Transport, John Graham, said: "E-bikes are fantastic for getting kids outside, active and independent but they need to be safe.
"We're seeing devices on the market that are far too powerful, too easy to modify and too hard for parents to assess.
"This is about making sure the bike your teenager rides behaves like a bike, not a motorbike.
"Our message to parents is simple: check the sticker, check the wattage and have a conversation with your kids about staying safe."
Those buying an e-bike this festive season, regardless of which state they live in, should check for the following things before making a purchase:
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an EN-15194 sticker or certification
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a motor output of no more than 250 watts
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a motor that stops assisting once the bike reaches 25km/h
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a pedal-assist bike without a throttle grip
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a bike and battery made by a reputable brand with proper safety documentation
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a model that has not been modified, chipped or had its speed limiter removed.
More information on buying a safe e-bike this Christmas is available here.
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