Independent Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby has written to the Transport Minister requesting that the review into age restrictions for e-Bikes include consideration of licensing and registration as part of its terms of reference.
On February 20 the Minns State Government announced a n expert review led by Transport for NSW will recommend a legal minimum age between 12 and 16 for riding an e-bike in NSW, while also considering whether children and teenagers have the skills, maturity and awareness of potential dangers required to safely carry passengers.
As part of this review there will be consultation with experts in child development and road safety, including the NSW Office for Youth and Young People, and will listen directly to parents and young people before making a final decision on the appropriate age threshold.
Advice and findings will be provided to the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads by June, with the NSW Government to make a final decision on an age limit and passengers.
Age limit restrictions will build on e-bike reforms already announced by the Minns Government, including:
- New powers for NSW Police to seize and crush illegal e-bikes.
- A trial of portable ‘dyno units’ to measure e-bike speed in roadside compliance checks.
- Tearing up the former Liberal government’s 2023 decision to allow 500-watt e-bikes on NSW roads.
- Introduced new standards for lithium-ion batteries to reduce the risk of fires associated with e-bikes and e-scooters.
See February 20, 20206 report: Minimum age to ride an e-bike to be introduced in NSW: Pittwater MP Maintains Licensing-Registration required
Previous February 2026 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
“Licensing and registration are the missing links this government is ignoring. You can’t assess safety without assessing the benefits of simple steps like teaching road rules and you can’t ignore the benefit registration plays in enforcement.” the MP for Pittwater said on February 24
“If this review is serious about improving safety, it must consider the tools we have to teach riders the rules, the risks and the laws, and assess the benefits of a licensing and registration program. Excluding these options undermines the review’s potential.”
Ms Scruby noted that Pittwater knows the safety benefits and responsibility that is instilled in those 12 years and above through the boat licensing and registration process.
“In Pittwater we have 12 year olds driving boats with respect for the rules and risks. We have enforcement as well, but that’s the last resort, education and responsibility come first.” said Ms Scruby.
“It’s ludicrous to believe you can seize and crush your way out of the e-bike problem, or that age restrictions alone will work. Licensing and registration bring accountability and assist enforcement of the law, also reducing the risks associated with police pursuing people who don’t pull over.”
Ms Scruby notes that we already have laws, but that they are being flouted, and new laws will be flouted also, unless there is a mechanism to identify non-compliance. That mechanism is registration.”
Ms Scruby will introduce her Private Member’s Bill, Road Legislation Amendment (E-Bike Regulation) Bill 2025, to pave the way for licensing and registration, data collection and safety measures.
Ms Scruby has also called on the Minister to confirm the Office of Youth will come to Pittwater to hear from families and young people directly.
“Used responsibly, e-bikes are a fantastic form of active transport and a convenient, healthy option to get about for many people in Pittwater. However, more needs to be done to ensure riders, pedestrians and motorists can safely coexist. Irrespective of age limits - learning the road rules, and having a licence will lead to better safety outcomes.”
NBPAC Police Operation: E-Voltage
As this Issue went to press, the Northern Beaches Police Area Command posted online: ·
''On Saturday 28 February 2026, in response to a proposed ‘Rideout’ by E-bike riders, officers attached to Northern Beaches PAC and Northern Sydney Highway Patrol conducted a high-visibility operation targeting illegal e-bike riders and reckless riding, focusing mainly on parks, shopping districts and public roads North of Long Reef Golf course through to the suburb of Mona Vale.''
''Three highway Patrol vehicles, one Highway patrol cycle and two Northern Beaches PAC officers engaged in interactions with people riding e-bikes in the area.
As a result of the operation, police interacted with 68 people on e-bikes or e-scooters, issuing 12 infringement notices and 18 verbal warnings for not wearing a helmet.
Of note, an e-scooter rider was stopped in the Mt Colah area with the rider arrested for a positive roadside breath test and positive roadside drug, unlicensed (never held) and no helmet.
Members of the public provided extremely positive feedback to officers in the field whilst interacting with the e-bike riders.
Further proactive Northern Beaches operations under the name ‘E-Voltage’ will continue.''
