March 1 - 31, 2026: Issue 652

 

Scruby Launches Legislation to Tackle E-bike Safety: E-bike training at Local school proves education and registration works 

Independent MP for Pittwater Jacqui Scruby has introduced her Private Member’s Bill to the NSW Parliament to tackle e-bike safety through licensing, registration, education and accountability. 

In introducing the Road Legislation Amendment (E-Bike Regulation) Bill 2025 to the NSW Legilstaive Assembly on Thursday March 19 Ms Scruby stated:

''This bill is about getting the balance right when it comes to e-bikes. It provides the framework to preserve the profound benefits of e-bikes while confronting the equally real risks: illegal riding, severe antisocial behaviour and the escalating crisis of injuries on our roads and footpaths. Whether you love them or hate them—and my electorate is distinctly divided—e‑bikes are a permanent fixture in our suburbs. They have transformed how people move. They facilitate the decarbonisation of our transit, and no doubt will be embraced as fuel prices increase and soar as a result of what is happening in the Middle East. They also reduce local vehicle congestion and provide unprecedented independent mobility, particularly for young people to get to school, sport or their friends' places without relying on parents for lifts.

But we must face reality: An e-bike is not a pushbike. It is consistently faster, significantly heavier and capable of doing far more harm when misused. Legal models alone can weigh up to 50 kilograms before a rider climbs on. With passengers or modifications, the kinetic energy and impact risk grow exponentially. We have witnessed an exponential explosion of these devices in New South Wales, from under 10,000 sales in 2017 to a staggering estimated 760,000 e-bikes currently in circulation across the State. Our communities are grappling with the consequences of this rapid saturation. Some suburbs feel like the Wild West, particularly at certain points of the day, with riders weaving through traffic at 50 kilometres per hour, doing wheelies and riding without helmets or protective gear.''

Under the current Road Transport Act, e-bikes and traditional bicycles are treated in essentially the same way. They are legally the same. A penny‑farthing is legally the same as a pushbike, which is also the same as a legal e‑bike. This bill creates a clear legal distinction between e-bikes and pushbikes. That foundational change allows for a new part 1A to the Road Transport Act, granting statutory rule‑making powers to the Minister to establish a comprehensive licensing and registration system specifically for e‑bikes. I note that the bill does not prescribe a licensing and registration scheme. I also acknowledge that there is complexity around regulating e‑bikes. It is something that impacts both State and Federal laws, and we also need to have regard for what other States are doing.

This bill that I am speaking to today merely allows the Minister to have the powers to establish a licensing and registration framework. Licensing ensures that riders using the network actually understand the road rules before they ride. From a first principles perspective, that is something that my community strongly agrees with. Registration and visible number plates mean that enforcement officers, local councils and the public can see at a glance whether a bike is legal and accountable. A visible registration system removes the anonymity that fuels antisocial behaviour like rideouts, such as the recent incident when e‑bikes tore up the Long Reef Golf Course, and also the incident on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which was well publicised.

I note in these circumstances it is not a matter of whether a bike is illegal or legal, or whether it is 500 watts or 250 watts. Any e‑bike, even a legal e-bike, can engage in that type of behaviour and is able to get away with it more readily because of the speed at which a bike travels. That is why having a licence plate leads to better accountability and also assists enforcement.''

The Road Legislation Amendment (E-Bike Regulation) Bill 2025 redefines e-Bikes as legally different from pushbikes, and expands the Minister’s powers to allow licensing and registration, limits speeds on footpaths, and collects the data needed to inform future policy.

“The premise is simple: If you drive a motorised bike you should know the road rules and be able to be held to account for complying with them.”  the MP for Pittwater said

Drawing on Pittwater’s experience with boat licensing, Ms Scruby said the model demonstrates how young people can learn responsibility early.

“In Pittwater we have 12-year-olds driving boats with respect for the rules and risks, we need the same for use of e-Bikes. We have boat licences because we recognise the dangers of being on the water and we should do the same for e-bike riders on our roads.”

Ms Scruby said the Government’s current approach focuses too heavily on punitive measures without properly considering practical safety reforms.

“It’s ludicrous to believe you can seize and crush your way out of the e-bike problem.

“Licensing and registration are being ignored by the NSW Government, but it is the missing link in addressing dangerous riding and supports insurance that protects those injured by bikes - like a resident who is now facing $30,000 in medical costs following a recent accident.”

Ms Scruby believes that if bikes had number plates, rideouts causing damage to property such as the Long Reef Golf Course, wouldn’t occur, or if they did, it would be easy for police to investigate. 

“There is a lot of anti-social and illegal behaviour that can happen on a legal e-Bike and without registration, there’s limited opportunity for enforcement or to deter behaviour.”

“It’s not that hard. We already have trials of education and license plates like E Bike Safety Australia currently being undertaken at high schools like St Luke’s Dee Why and Cronulla High.” 

Matthew Rog, Director, from E Bike Safety Australia, is backing the legislation.

“Education and visible identification (through registration) are the missing pieces in improving e-bike safety. Supporting structured training, accountability and better data collection will help young riders develop safer habits and give communities the confidence that future decisions will be based on real evidence.  I support Ms. Scruby on this Bill,” he said.

E-bike training at schools proves education and registration works 

E-bike training at schools is proving how well education and registration works, delivering improved safety and accountability for young riders and a blueprint for reform, according to local MPs.

St Luke’s Grammar School in Dee Why is leading the way. It recently introduced an e-bike program for senior students run by E-Bike Safety Australia (EBSA), in response to community concerns. The program equips young riders with the knowledge and tools to ride responsibly, and provide accountability through a Student ID system. 

The program is making a positive impact, according to the school.

“As a school we are passionate about this program because student safety is our priority. Their education on E-Bike safety is an important piece provided by the EBSA program. We love that our students have to pass the online test before they are given the plate which assists in keeping them accountable as safe riders. We know how valuable this form of transport is to our families and hope this means that students will be able to enjoy independence along with a sense of responsibility.”  Mrs Gaby Smith, Dean of Students (10-12), St Luke’s Grammar School, said

Ben Horwood of E-Bike Safety Australia, who runs the program said, “E-bike use is exploding, but so are the safety challenges. Our school program delivers education and an accountability system to encourage students to ride safely, and deters poor behaviour. This is a practical solution to manage a problem which exists in the community and we are happy St Luke's are being proactive on the issue.”

The program has the support of local MPs, including independent member for Pittwater Jacqui Scruby. 

“By introducing education and a kind of registration, schools like St Luke’s, together with EBSA, are taking action and putting safety first. They are educating students and making riders accountable, and are a prime example of how well these kinds of measures can work.'' Ms Scruby said

“I’d like to go further than voluntary school programs, and see education, licensing and registration made law. I’m pro e-bikes, but we need to tackle safety. We can all see the dangers. The premise of my legislation is simple: If you drive a motorised bike you should know the road rules and be able to be held to account for complying with them. 

“Unfortunately licensing and registration are being ignored by the NSW Government, even though they are the missing link in addressing dangerous riding - making riders accountable and supporting insurance that protects those injured by e-bikes.”

Fellow local MPs praised St Luke’s for taking the initiative and are in support of licensing and registration.

Member for Manly James Griffin said: “Getting the best outcome for young riders and pedestrians is something all MP’s on the beaches want. Licensing and registration is a fundamental part of creating accountability for young riders. A licensing scheme is fairer, smarter and can actually be implemented, unlike a blanket ban. I congratulate St Luke’s for embracing this opportunity and demonstrating what good looks like”

Member for Wakehurst Michael Regan said: “E-bikes are a great way for young people to stay active and get around our community, but safety and accountability have to come first. Programs like E Bike Safety Australia's are giving kids the skills, awareness and responsibility they need and importantly, they’re leading the way for government by showing what’s possible with practical, community-led solutions. That’s why I strongly support Jacqui Scruby’s e-bike regulation bill. She’s showing real leadership on this issue, and it’s a sensible step forward to improve safety, strengthen accountability and give our community confidence that we’re getting this right.”

But what do the St Luke's Students think?:

Jude said the test that students have to pass as part of the training was useful: “It's very similar to the L test that every driver has to do, so you're learning the exact same rules that a driver would do, so everyone knows the same rules.”

Dane said the training had helped: “I found it really good because it teaches young kids basically what safety restrictions are, what restrictions your bike has to match, and what you have to wear, and especially your helmet to keep people safe.” 

“My e-bike changed my life because I can hang out with my friends and it's given me more freedom and sort of responsibility about having to know all the safety restrictions.”

Previously


Scruby urges government review to include benefits of licensing, registration and insurance- Northern Beaches PAC 'E-Voltage' Police Operation to continue - Week One March 2026

Minimum age to ride an e-bike to be introduced in NSW: Pittwater MP Maintains Licensing-Registration required - February 2026

 February 2026 NSW Government announcement: Illegal e-bikes will be seized-crushed in NSW: e-bike Injury Presentations to NSW Hospitals doubles + That e-bike you bought your teen might be an illegal electric motorbike – and the risks are real

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 - December 2025

MP for Mackellar, Dr. Scamps, introduced the Safer E-Bikes Bill 2025 (Road Vehicle Standards Amendment) to Parliament on Monday September 1

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