E-bike and electric trike rules in NSW
Thinking about an e-bike or electric trike in NSW, for yourself or someone in the family? The good news: in NSW, e-bikes and electric trikes that meet the rules are treated like bicycles. No licence, no registration, and you can ride on roads, bike paths and shared paths.
Here's a plain-English guide to the rules that matter day to day. There's a section just for electric trikes further down.
Updated October 2026 · Checked against the NSW Road Rules 2014 and NSW Government guidance · General information, not legal advice.
NSW rules at a glance
- Motor power
Up to 500W until the end of February 2029, then 250W (EN 15194) from 1 March 2029.
- Pedal assist
The motor helps while you pedal, up to 25 km/h.
- Throttle
Start-up help only, up to 6 km/h.
- Licence and registration
Not needed for a bike or trike that meets the rules.
- Footpaths
Generally under 16 only, with a few exceptions.
- Minimum age
None at the moment. NSW is reviewing one.
- Helmet
Required for riders and passengers.
Before using an e-bike or electric trike, check the applicable local laws relating to your intended use of the vehicle on roads and road related areas.
What counts as a legal e-bike or e-trike in NSW?
In NSW, the motor must only help while you pedal, and stop helping at 25 km/h. A start-up throttle can help you get moving from a stop, up to 6 km/h. NSW currently allows a motor of up to 500W continuous rated power, until the end of February 2029, then moves to the European standard EN 15194 (250W) (NSW Road Rules, rule 15–1).
A bike or trike outside these limits is treated as a motor vehicle, which needs registration and a licence (Transport for NSW).
Do I need a licence?
No. You don't need a licence, registration or compulsory insurance for an e-bike or electric trike that meets the rules.
Where can I ride?
E-bikes and electric trikes that meet the rules can use the same places as bicycles (NSW Government: where to ride).
| Place | Can I ride here? | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Roads | Yes | Use a bike lane going your way if there is one, unless it's impracticable. |
| Bike lanes and bike paths | Yes | Separated from traffic where available. |
| Shared paths | Yes | Keep left and give way to people walking. |
| Shared zones | Yes | Unless signs say otherwise, at up to 10 km/h. |
| Footpaths | Only in some cases | Mainly for riders under 16. See the exceptions. |
| Anywhere with a "no bicycles" sign | No | Find another route. |
Can I ride on the footpath in NSW?
Usually not if you're 16 or older. In NSW, footpaths are mainly for riders under 16 (NSW Road Rules, rule 250). If you're 16 or older, you can ride on the footpath when you're:
- riding with a child under 16 who you're supervising
- carrying a child under 10 as a passenger, on the bike or trike or in a bike trailer
- carrying a medical certificate that says you should be allowed to ride on the footpath (anyone riding with you is covered too).
About the medical certificate: it comes from a medical practitioner and says they believe you should be allowed to ride on the footpath because of a medical condition. Keep it with you, follow any conditions on it, and show it if an authorised person asks. It doesn't apply where there's a bike path or shared path nearby, so use those where you can.
Carrying a passenger or your shopping
You can carry a passenger if there's a proper seat for them, and they wear a bike helmet (NSW Road Rules, rules 246 and 256).
- Carry only as many people as there are seats for.
- A child under 10 can ride in a bike trailer that can carry them safely, if you're 16 or older and they wear a helmet.
- For shopping and cargo, stay within the max total load on the product page.
Helmet, lights and bell
Wear an approved bike helmet, done up properly, and make sure your bike or trike has a working brake and a bell or horn (NSW Road Rules, rules 256 and 258).
Riding at night or in poor visibility? You need a white light at the front and a red light at the back, each visible from at least 200 metres, plus a red rear reflector (rule 259).
What's changing in NSW
- 2026, sale rules: e-bikes sold in NSW must carry a safety approval mark and an EN 15194 tag (NSW Government information requirements). These e-bike sale rules don't apply to three-wheeled e-bikes.
- 1 March 2029, road rules: NSW moves to EN 15194, which centres on a 250W motor with assistance up to 25 km/h (Transport for NSW). Until the end of February 2029, the current limits apply.
- Minimum age: NSW is reviewing a minimum riding age for e-bikes. Nothing has been decided yet.
We'll keep this page updated as NSW provides more detail.
Electric trikes: what you need to know
What this means for e-trike buyers in NSW: an electric trike is treated just like a bicycle, so no licence is needed and you can use roads, bike paths and shared paths. Footpaths are mostly off-limits for adults, but a medical certificate can change that. NSW's new e-bike sale rules don't apply to three-wheelers.
An electric trike counts as a bicycle
NSW road rules include tricycles in the definition of a bicycle (NSW Road Rules, rule 15–1). An electric trike that meets the limits above is ridden just like a bike: same paths, same footpath rules, same helmet rules, and no licence.
250W or 500W?
Ridewave electric trikes come in a 250W version and a 500W version. The 250W version's pedal assist is set up to EN 15194 limits: help eases off above 6 km/h and stops at 25 km/h, with a start-up throttle up to 6 km/h. The 500W version is for private property and off-road use, where permitted. Not sure which suits? We're happy to talk it through.
Before using an e-bike or electric trike, check the applicable local laws relating to your intended use of the vehicle on roads and road related areas.
Electric trike or mobility scooter?
Families often compare the two. A mobility scooter is used like a pedestrian, travels at up to 10 km/h on footpaths, and doesn't need pedalling (NSW Government). An electric trike is a bicycle: you pedal, the motor helps up to 25 km/h, and you can use roads, bike paths and shared paths. If the rider enjoys pedalling and wants to get out further, an electric trike is worth a test ride.
Choosing an electric trike for a parent or partner
- Where will they ride? Roads, bike paths and shared paths are all fine. If they'd like to use footpaths, have a chat with their doctor about the medical certificate.
- Getting on and off: a low step-through frame makes it easier.
- Storage: will it fit in the garage, unit or car? Every Ridewave e-trike folds.
- What will they carry? Shopping, a passenger, or a pet.
- Try before you buy: book a test ride together.
How Ridewave electric trikes are set up
- Pedal assist up to 25 km/h: the motor helps while you pedal.
- Half-twist start-up throttle: helps you get moving from a stop, up to 6 km/h only.
- Rear differential and hydraulic disc brakes on all three wheels.
- Folds for storage and transport.
What about two-wheel e-bikes?
The same road rules apply: pedal assist up to 25 km/h, no licence, and the same footpath, helmet and light rules. Our Miniwave folding e-bike is certified to EN 15194 and NSW requirements.
Test ride in Sydney
The easiest way to decide is to try one. Test rides are free and by appointment at our Sydney showrooms:
- Girraween: 1/180 Toongabbie Rd, Girraween NSW 2145
- Marrickville: 94 Chapel St, Marrickville NSW 2204
FAQ
Quick answers to common questions from NSW riders and their families.
Do I need a licence for an e-bike or electric trike in NSW?
No. One that meets the rules doesn't need a licence, registration or compulsory insurance.
Can I ride on the footpath in NSW?
Riders 16 and over generally can't, but there are exceptions: riding with a child under 16, carrying a child under 10, or carrying a medical certificate. Bike paths and shared paths are a good option.
How do I get a medical certificate for footpath riding?
Talk to your doctor. The certificate says they believe you should be allowed to ride on the footpath because of a medical condition. Keep it with you when you ride.
Is an electric trike the same as a mobility scooter?
No. A mobility scooter is used like a pedestrian and doesn't need pedalling. An electric trike is a bicycle: you pedal, the motor helps up to 25 km/h, and bicycle rules apply.
Should I choose the 250W or 500W electric trike?
The 250W version's pedal assist is set up to EN 15194 limits. The 500W version is for private property and off-road use, where permitted. Before riding, check the local laws for where you plan to ride.
Can I take my grandchild along?
Yes, in a proper passenger seat, or in a bike trailer for a child under 10, with a helmet on.
Do I need lights?
For riding at night or in poor visibility: a white front light, a red rear light and a red rear reflector.
Do electric trikes need an EN 15194 tag in NSW?
Not when buying one. NSW's e-bike sale rules, including the EN 15194 tags, don't apply to electric trikes. The NSW road rules still apply when you ride.
Is there a minimum age?
Not at the moment. NSW is reviewing a minimum age for e-bikes, and nothing has been decided yet.
Where can I test ride in Sydney?
At our Girraween and Marrickville showrooms, by appointment. Test rides are free. Book a test ride.
Official sources
- NSW Road Rules 2014 (rules 15–1, 246, 250, 256, 257, 258 and 259), checked 16 October 2026
- Transport for NSW: e-bikes, checked 16 October 2026
- NSW Government: where to ride bicycles, e-bikes and other wheeled devices, checked 16 October 2026
- NSW Government: information requirements for e-micromobility products, checked 16 October 2026
Riding in another state? See e-bike rules across Australia.
Page updates
- 16 October 2026: page published, checked against NSW Road Rules (current from 27 March 2026) and NSW Government guidance.