E-micromobility communications toolkit

More and more people are taking up small mobility devices to make short trips and explore NSW. Some of these devices are powered by an electric motor and battery. Learn the difference between devices, what the rules are and how to stay safe when riding in NSW.

E-micromobility communications toolkit

Overview

More and more people are taking up small mobility devices to make short trips and explore NSW. Some of these devices are powered by an electric motor and battery.

Learn the difference between devices, what the rules are and how to stay safe when riding in NSW.

  • E-bikes which meet the requirements are legal to own and operate on public roads and road-related areas in NSW.
  • E-scooters are legal to own but are illegal to operate on NSW roads and road-related areas including footpaths, shared paths and bicycle lanes. Privately owned e-scooters must only be used on private property.
  • NSW Shared E-scooter trial program is currently active across several locations. Information about active trial sites is available on the Transport for NSW website.
  • A NSW Parliamentary inquiry was established in June 2024 to inquire into and report on the use of e-scooters, e-bikes and related mobility options.

The communication objectives for e-bikes and e-scooters are:

  • Raise awareness of the requirements for purchasing and riding an e-bike in NSW.
  • Promote safe riding tips and advice aligned to the road rules.
  • Provide advice to drivers regarding minimum passing distance and sharing the road.

Key messages

Ebikes

There are two types of permitted e-bikes:

E-bike type Specifications
 Power-assisted pedal cycle
  • Has one or more motors attached with a combined maximum power output of up to 200 watts.
  • Weighs less than 50kg (including batteries)
  • Has a height-adjustable seat.
Electrically power-assisted cycles
  • Has a maximum continued rated power of up to 500 watts. This power output must be: 
    • progressively reduced as the bicycle’s speed increases beyond 6km/h
    • cuts off when your bicycle reaches a speed of 25km/h or you stop pedalling and the speed exceeds 6km/h.

The rider must primarily propel these bikes – a motor can’t be the only source of propelling it. The motor should only help the rider, like when going uphill or facing strong winds.

Riders do not need a licence to ride an e-bike.

Topic Key messages
E-bike riders 16+
  • There are two types of approved e-bikes in NSW : power-assisted pedal cycles and electrically power-assisted cycles.  
  • Petrol-powered bicycles are illegal on NSW roads and road-related areas. 
  • The electric motor should not assist the rider when travelling more than 25km/h.
  • Riders must wear an approved helmet which is securely fitted and fastened. Penalties apply. 
  • E-bike riders must comply with the same road uses as bicycles.
Families of e-bike riders under 16 years
  • There are two types of approved e-bikes in NSW : power-assisted pedal cycles and electrically power-assisted cycles.  
  • Petrol-powered bicycles are illegal on NSW roads and road-related areas. 
  • The electric motor should not assist the rider when travelling more than 25km/h.
  • Riders must wear an approved helmet which is securely fitted and fastened. Penalties apply. 
  • Make sure your child always wears a helmet when they ride. 
  • Wearing a helmet from the moment they start learning to ride will help your child to develop it as a habit and reduce the risk of head injuries.  
  • E-bike riders must comply with the same road uses as bicycles.
  • Until your child is at least 10 years old, your child should ride off-road away from vehicles and driveways. 
  • Children under 16 and adult riders accompanying and supervising them may ride on the footpath, unless there are signs specifically prohibiting bicycle riding.

E-scooters
Topic Key messages
 Private e-scooters
  • Personal e-scooters remain illegal on NSW roads and road-related areas, including footpaths, shared paths and bicycle lanes.
  • You can only use these on private property.
Shared e-scooter program – at designated trial sites
  • Shared e-scooters can only be used in trial sites
  • You must be at least 16 years of age to ride a shared e-scooter.
  • You can ride a shared e-scooter hired from the selected operator on designated shared paths, bike lanes and paths and roads in trial areas. Use of private e-scooters remains illegal (including in trial areas).
  • It is illegal to ride on footpaths
  • You must wear an approved bicycle helmet, that is securely fitted and fastened, at all times.
  • You are limited to travel speeds of 10km/h on shared paths and 20km/h on roads and bicycle lanes.

Bicycle safety
Topic Key messages
General bicycle safety 
  • Bicycle riders must wear an approved helmet which is securely fitted and fastened. 
  • Check the helmet safety ratings when choosing a helmet.  
  • Choose a helmet that is a light or bright colour. This helps other road users see you. 
  • Do not wear a hat under your helmet, as it can compromise its fit and safety if involved in a crash.  
  • Your helmet should fit and be adjusted with no twists in the straps.   It should also fit so:  
    • you can fit two fingers between your eyebrows and the helmet  
    • the straps join in a "V" just below your ears  
    • you can fit two fingers between the helmet strap and your chin.
New approved standards 
  • In NSW, an approved bicycle helmet must comply with recognised helmet standards. 
  • The full list of approved Australian and overseas standards are available here. 
  • All helmets must have an identifying marking certifying compliance with a standard. They must also be in good repair and proper working order and condition.
Drivers
  • You must leave a minimum of one metre when passing bike riders when the speed limit is 60km/h or under. You must leave at least 1.5 metres when over 60km/h. 
  • You can cross single and double white lines to pass bicycles, but only if you have a clear view of approaching traffic and it’s safe to do so.
  • Look out for bicycles before turning at intersections and roundabouts.
  • Before getting out of your vehicle, check your rear view and side mirrors for bicycles.

How to use this toolkit

How to use this toolkit

This toolkit can help support your online and in-person communications and engagement. Some assets require sign up to certain accounts to download. Learn how to register for a Creative Assets Library (CAL) account at the end of this page.

You can view toolkits covering other road safety topics on the communications toolkits page. If you're a registered Hub member log in to access the full list of toolkits available.

Social media

Social media

Organic content will be posted on NSW Road Safety Facebook . Check in regularly and share our content on your channels. Remember to tag @NSWRoadSafety on Facebook.


Graphics


E-bikes

Social media
Ebikes_Social Tile_Approved_1080x1080
Ebikes_Social Tile_Approved Close Up_1080x1080
Ebikes_Social Tile_Road Rules_1080x1080

General: There are two types of approved e-bikes in NSW

Download on CAL - ID 1000320

Pre-Christmas: If an e-bike is on the Christmas wish list, know the rules before purchasing

Download on CAL - ID 1000321

Road rules: The same road rules for bicycles also apply to e-bikes

CAL ID to come...

Audience

  • E-bike riders and families of children purchasing an e-bike

Messaging

Thinking of buying an e-bike?

There are two types of approved e-bikes in NSW: power-assisted pedal cycles and electrically power-assisted cycles.

Make sure your e-bike meets the requirements.

Learn more at www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/bicycle-riders/ebikes

Audience

  • Pre-Christmas content for e-bike riders and families of children purchasing an e-bike

Messaging

If an e-bike is on the Christmas wish list, know the rules before purchasing.

There are two types of approved e-bikes in NSW: power-assisted pedal cycles and electrically power-assisted cycles.

Learn more at www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/bicycle-riders/ebikes

Audience

  • E-bike riders and families of children purchasing an e-bike

Messaging

Thinking of buying an e-bike?

There are two types of approved e-bikes in NSW: power-assisted pedal cycles and electrically power-assisted cycles.

Make sure your e-bike meets the requirements.

Learn more at Learn more at www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/bicycle-riders/ebikes

Web
Ebikes_Web tile_Approved_1080x720 Ebikes_Web tile_Road Rules Full Shot_1080x720 Ebikes_Web tile_Road Rules Close Up_1080x720

There are two types of approved e-bikes in NSW

Know the rules before you ride

Download on CAL - ID 1000324

The same road rules for bicycle also apply to e-bikes 

Know the rules before you ride

Download on CAL - ID 1000323

The same road rules for bicycle also apply to e-bikes

Know the rules before you ride

Download on CAL - ID 1000322 


E-scooters

Social media MP4 animations - General
CAL 126176 - You cannot ride personal e-scooters on NSW footpaths, shared paths and bicycle lanes CAL 126174 - Shared e-scooters can only be used in trial sites
CAL 126175 - Personal e-scooters can only be used on private property CAL 126177 - Penalties apply for riding personal e-scooters on NSW roads, footpaths, shared paths and bicycle lanes

You cannot ride personal e-scooters on NSW roads, footpaths, shared paths and bicycle lanes

Download on CAL - ID 126176

Shared e-scooters can only be used in trial sites

Personal e-scooters remain illegal during the trials - except on private property

Download on CAL - ID 126174

Personal e-scooters can only be used on private property

Shared e-scooters can only be used in trial sites

Download on CAL - ID 126175

Penalties apply for riding personal e-scooters on NSW roads, footpaths, shared paths and bicycle lanes

Download on CAL - ID 126177

Audience

  • E-scooter riders and families of children

Messaging

Personal e-scooters cannot be ridden on NSW roads, footpaths, shared paths or bicycle lanes.

If you’re looking to purchase an e-scooter, know the rules before purchasing.

Audience

  • Personal e-scooter owners and shared scheme trials

Messaging

Shared e-scooters can only be used in trial sites.

Personal e-scooters remain illegal during the trials – except on private property.

Audience

  • Personal e-scooter owners and shared scheme trials

Messaging

Shared e-scooters can only be used in trial sites.

Personal e-scooters remain illegal during the trials – except on private property.

Audience

  • E-scooter riders and families of children

Messaging

Personal e-scooters cannot be ridden on NSW roads, footpaths, shared paths or bicycle lanes.

Third party logo placement

When a third-party or partner logo is used in a creative application (including video end frames) always ensure the primary and secondary logo appears coupled with the third-party logo separate. The third-party or partner logo must always appear secondary in the hierarchy to the coupled co-branded logo.

CAL 126173 - Personal e-scooters can only be used on private property CAL 126167 - You cannot ride personal e-scooters on NSW roads, footpaths, sharedd paths and bicycle lanes
CAL 126171 - Shared e-scooters can only be used in trial sites. Personal e-scooters remain illegal during the trials - except on private property
CAL 126170 - Penalties apply for riding personal e-scooters on NSW roads, footpaths, shared paths and bicycle lanes

Personal e-scooters can only be used on private property

Download on CAL - ID 126173

You cannot ride personal e-scooters on NSW roads, footpaths, shared paths and bicycle lanes

Download on CAL - ID 126167

Shared e-scooters can only be used in trial sites. Personal e-scooters remain illegal during the trials - except on private property

Download on CAL - ID 126171

Penalties apply for riding personal e-scooters on NSW roads, footpaths, shared paths and bicycle lanes

Download on CAL - ID 126170

Audience

  • E-scooter riders and families of children 

Audience

  • E-scooter riders and families of children

Audience

  • Personal e-scooter owners and shared scheme trials

Audience

  • E-scooter riders and families of children

Publications

Order these free printed publications to support your community engagements.

Expand allCollapse all

 Bikes, ebikes and e-scooters - DL flyer thumbnail  E-bikes - Advice for families - A4 flyer thumbnail E-scooters - Advice for families thumbnail

Bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters - DL flyer

Product code: 45094246 

Open digital version

E-bikes: Advice for families - A4 flyer

Product code: 45094960

Open digital version 

 E-scooters: Advice for families - A4 flyer

Product code: 45094962

Open digital version


Variable message signs (VMS)

Support the initiative by securing VMS space and using the text below.

Portable VMS
Target audience / Topic Frame 1 Frame 2  Frame 3
Drivers and riders

WATCH FOR
BICYCLE RIDERS

ALWAYS CHECK YOUR
BLIND SPOTS
 
Drivers and riders SLOW DOWN
BICYCLES ABOUT
SLOW DOWN
BICYCLES ABOUT
 
Drivers and riders KEEP A SAFE
DISTANCE WHEN 
PASSING CYCLISTS
GIVE CYCLISTS 
AT LEAST 1 METRE 
WHEN PASSING 
GIVE CYCLISTS 
AT LEAST 1 METRE 
WHEN PASSING
Cyclists CYCLISTS -  
ALWAYS WEAR 
A HELMET 
FINES APPLY FOR  
CYCLING OFFENCES
 


Online resources


Road Safety Officer restricted resources

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How to use the Creative Assets Library (CAL)

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More information

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