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

In NSW, road legal e-bikes must have:

  • a maximum continuous rated power of 500 watts
  • a motor that provides throttle power assistance up to 6km/h or when the rider is pedalling up to 25km/h
  • a motor that does not provide power at speeds higher than 25km/h.
  • E-bikes that exceed any of these limits are illegal, even power or speed is restricted by software (app, switch or code).
Topic Key messages
Legal e-bikes
  • A legal e-bike must have all of the following features:
    • 500W maximum continuous power (a maximum of 250W from 1 March 2029)
    • a motor that does not provide power at speeds higher than 25km/h.
    • Throttle-only (motor without pedalling) function that cuts out at 6km/h.
  • E-bikes that exceed any of the above limits are illegal, even if its power or speed is restricted by an app or switch. Hacking or tampering with your e-bike may make it illegal.
  • An illegal e-bike has any of the following features:
    • More than 500W maximum continuous power (more than 250W from 2029).
    • A throttle-only (motor without pedalling) function over 6km/hr.
    • A motor that continues to provide power above 25 km/h.
  • From 1 March 2029 only EN 15194 certified e-bikes will be allowed on NSW roads. Check for the EN 15194 mark or ask your retailer.  
 Riding safely
  • E-bike riders must comply with the same road uses as bicycles.
  • You must wear an approved helmet securely fitted and fastened.
  • You must not carry more people than the bike is designed for. If carrying a passenger, they must be wearing an approved, fitted and fastened helmet.  
  • If you're 16 years or older and not supervising a child under 16 years riding a bike, you can’t ride on the footpath. 
  • You can ride a bike on shared paths. You must keep left and give way to pedestrians on shared paths.  
  • You must ride in a bicycle lane if it's marked on the road and has bicycle lane signs, unless it's impracticable to do so. 
  • When riding, you must not hold a mobile phone in your hand. It must not rest on your leg, be between your shoulder and ear or any other part of your body.
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.
  • We will soon be changing the rules for e-bikes. Choose a bike that meets European Standard EN 15194 – it’s legal to ride now and in the future. Check for the EN 15194 mark or ask your retailer.
  • When buying an e-bike, choose a bike that meets European Standard EN 15194 – it’s legal to ride now and in the future. Check for the EN 15194 mark or ask your retailer. 

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.


Assets


E-bikes

Social media
E-bikes_social_EN Sticker_1080×1350
E-bike_social_Know the rules_1080x1350
Ebikes_Social Tile_Road Rules_1080x1080

Choose a bike that meets European Standard EN 15194

Download image

Know the rules before you head out

Download image

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

Download on CAL - ID 1000319

Messaging

Buying an e-bike?

Choose a bike that meets European Standard EN 15194 – it’s legal to ride now and in the future. Check for the EN 15194 mark or ask your retailer.

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

Messaging

Riding an e-bike?

Make sure you know the rules before you head out.

✅ Helmet securely fitted and fastened
✅ No distractions
✅ Check where you can and can’t ride.

Check the rules here: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/bicycle-riders/ebikes

Messaging

Did you know that the same road rules for bicycles also apply to e-bikes?

Make sure you know the rules before you head out to ride.

Learn more at www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/bicycle-riders/road-rules-for-bicycle-riders

E-bike_social_Legal e-ebike_1080x1350
 
 

 Looks like an e-bike. Doesn't mean it's legal.

Download image

 Social media video

Download video

 
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 

Posters

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)

If you already have an account, log in at creativeassets.transport.nsw.gov.au and search for the relevant CAL ID.

To create an account:

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  3. Complete the form

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If you have any issues with the CAL, email creativeassets@transport.nsw.gov.au and provide screenshots of the issue.

More information

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