In an Australian first, this election commitment will mandate low-cost registration for specific categories of e-bike riders, enabling better enforcement against unsafe behaviour and addressing mounting community concern.
This commitment follows months of extensive consultation by the NSW Liberals and Nationals, including last year’s Parliamentary inquiry into e-bike safety.
Stakeholders such as local councils, police and community groups have consistently raised concerns around the risks posed by the unregulated use of these devices along with the inability to enforce standards in a practical way.
The Government’s recent reforms are a start but have focused solely on e-bike technology while failing to address genuine concerns around rider behaviour.
The NSW Liberal and Nationals have identified two key considerations for any reform:
- Improving the quality and safety of e-bikes, and
- Addressing rider behaviour.
The proposed licensing scheme would require a government issued license plate to be attached to an e-bike when used by:
- Riders who are under the age of 18;
- Riders who use e–bikes for a commercial purpose; and
- Commercial shared service schemes.
Riders aged 18 and over who use a privately-owned e-bike be exempt from the scheme.
The plan also includes new penalties for non-compliance, alongside expanded safety education to ensure young riders understand the risks associated with e-bike technology and how to use these devices safely in the community.
Legislation and government resources will be required to establish and enforce the scheme.
NSW Leader of the Opposition Kellie Sloane said that the election commitment puts community safety at the centre of nation-leading e-bike regulation.
“The safety of riders, especially children, and our wider community has been an ongoing concern. We have heard too many horror stories linked to e-bike misuse,” Ms Sloane said.
“An elected NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will take a practical, comprehensive approach to ensure safety is front and centre of future e-bike regulation.”
“Our low-cost registration and license plate scheme will ensure rider safety standards are clear and can be enforced.”
Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward highlighted the importance of providing police, local councils and the community with a clear enforcement framework.
“Transport rules work when they’re simple, clear and consistent. Low‑cost identification plates for specific cohorts strike the right balance—improving safety without curbing freedom,” Ms Ward said.
“We must regulate for safety over the next decade—not just next year. Identification plates are a sensible, sustainable tool to achieve that.
“Debates about different speed settings, throttles, power-output fundamentally lose sight of the on the ground experience. This policy would provide a tool for Police, Local Councils and the community while enabling the freedom for riders to continue.”
Member for Manly James Griffin commented that the reforms will make people accountable for their behaviour on e-bikes and ensure that anyone on an e-bike is riding responsibly.
“When e-bikes are used responsibly they are a great way to get around, but a lack of coherent policy and regulation by the NSW Labor government has created a very unsafe situation for riders and pedestrians.
The NSW Liberals and Nationals are committed to spearheading nation-leading reforms so that NSW can be a place where innovative active transport technology that makes lives easier is embraced, while also ensuring that community safety is adequately protected.
Last modified: December 9, 2025
