December 1 - 31, 2025: Issue 649

 

NSW Coalition Announces it will introduce license plate scheme for e-bikes if elected: Pittwater MP Scruby Urges They back her Bill for same

On Monday December 8 2025 the NSW Opposition announced an elected NSW Liberal and Nationals Government it will introduce ''a nation leading license plate scheme for e-bikes used by young people and e-mobility commercial operators, strengthening rider behaviour standards and improving community safety''.


The announcement follows on from Pittwater MP and Independent Jacqui Scruby announcing at the August 2025 community forum on e-bike safety, she would introduce measures along the same lines

“I’m very concerned that the NSW Government is seeking to relax footpath laws. People in Pittwater want the restrictions for under 16s only to remain and for a speed limit.” Ms Scruby said

“Licencing and registration bring education and accountability. If the NSW Government doesn’t want to support that system, Pittwater schools have expressed willingness to trial innovative youth licensing and registration programs and I’m committed to making that happen.” 

On June 5 2025 Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby had tabled a Notice in the NSW Parliament to move—

That a bill be introduced for an Act to amend the Road Transport Act 2013, the Road Rules 2014 and other legislation to provide for the regulation of the sale, ownership and use of e-bikes; and for related purposes.

Ms Scruby's Road Legislation Amendment (E-Bike Regulation) Bill 2025 Long Title reads:

An Act to amend the Road Transport Act 2013, the Road Rules 2014 and other legislation to provide for the regulation of the sale, ownership and use of e-bikes; and for related purposes.

See: Scruby-Scamps Bring Community Together to Tackle E-Bike Safety - August 2025

Ms Scruby reiterated this just last week when the state government backed up changes the federal government have announced

See: Maximum legal power output of e-bikes in NSW to be reduced to 250 watts - Federal Government reinstating EN-15194 standard: Scamps Welcomes changes, Scruby calls for NSW to lead with e-bike licensing and registration

The Coalition stated in a release on Monday ''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 state they have identified two key considerations for any reform: 

  1. Improving the quality and safety of e-bikes, and 
  2. 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.'' the release said in closing

Scruby congratulates Liberals for backing e-bike safety measures - urges them to back her Bill and deliver real reform

On Monday Independent Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby congratulated the NSW Liberal Party for backing her long-standing e-bike safety position on licensing and registration - but says the real test will be whether they now support her Road Legislation Amendment (E-Bike Regulation) Bill 2025 when Parliament returns.

“I have given notice of motion on my bill and have called for licensing and registration, and look forward to working across party lines to ensure we have more education and accountability,” Ms Scruby said. 

Ms Scruby noted that while the Liberals’ registration proposal is welcome, a licence plate alone won’t fix the problem that, ironically, has been exacerbated by lax laws - wound back by former federal Coalition member Barnaby Joyce and then Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes - that have allowed an influx of high-powered bikes.

“What NSW needs is proper e-bike licensing, registration and insurance - something like a boat licence. Riding a fast, heavy e-bike on the road at speed without ever being taught the road rules is obviously fraught with dangers for all involved. Licensing and registration will give police real tools to enforce the law and keep the community safe.” the MP for Pittwater said

Ms Scruby also warned that unless NSW further tightens regulations on what can be sold, unsafe bikes will continue to flood the market.

“The biggest issue is how easily many bikes can be unlocked or modified to exceed legal speeds. We must redefine what can be sold in NSW and shut down the loopholes allowing dangerous, modifiable bikes onto our streets.”

Ms Scruby said she looks forward to seeing the Opposition back her comprehensive reform package.

“The Liberals may have now echoed my position - but what matters is action. If they’re serious about safer streets, they’ll support my BillI, which I gave notice about back in June, so we can finally deliver proper licensing, registration, insurance and tougher product rules. That’s how we protect riders, parents and pedestrians.”

Details on Ms Scruby’s proposed Bill may be read at: 

Re: Road Legislation Amendment (E-Bike Regulation) Bill 2025 - On 19/11/2025 the House agreed to extend the lapsing date of this bill to 26/03/2026.

Previously:

e-bike saftey pop-up at Avalon Beach, June 2025