E-bikes, e-scooters and e-skateboards

E-bikes

An e-bike is a bicycle that is powered by a rechargeable battery.

There are two types of e-bikes that can be used on NSW roads or related areas:

• power-assisted pedal cycles
• electrically power-assisted cycles.

The ride must be primarily powered by the rider. The motor should only help the rider and can’t be the only thing powering the bike.

You must wear an approved bicycle helmet while riding an e-bike. There are fines for not wearing a helmet.

It is illegal to ride an e-bike while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. You may be fined or charged with an offence.

For more information, see Drugs and alcohol on the Safe bicycle riding page on the NSW Government website.

For further information, see the Driving offences topic on our website.

Petrol powered bikes

Petrol powered bicycles are not allowed on NSW roads or related areas, such as footpaths and bicycle lanes. They can only be used legally on private property.

For more information, see E-bikes on the Transport for NSW website.

E-scooters

An e-scooter is an electric scooter powered by a rechargeable battery.

Privately owned e-scooters are not allowed on NSW roads or related areas, such as shared paths and bicycle lanes. Penalties may apply for having an unregistered, uninsured and unlicensed motor vehicle.

E-scooters can only be used legally on private property.

The same alcohol and drug driving offences apply to e-scooter riders as to motor vehicle drivers.  

When using an e-scooter you must comply with the rules or you may be fined or charged with an offence. 

For more information, see E-scooters on the Transport for NSW website.

E-scooter trial

In response to the growing popularity of e-scooters and the need to safely manage their use, Transport for NSW is running a trial where e-scooters can be hired through an approved e-scooter provider and ridden in certain locations.

The trial will run from 22 July 2022 for 36 months.

To use an e-scooter in a trial location, you must:

• be at least 16 years old
• hire an e-scooter from a selected provider - you can’t use your own private e-scooter
• wear an approved bicycle helmet when riding an e-scooter - there are fines for not wearing a helmet.
• use the e-scooter on the designated bike paths, shared paths and roads inside the trial area
• stay under 10km/h on shared paths and 20km/h on the road.

You don’t need a driver's license to ride an e-scooter.

You can’t:

• carry any passengers or animals on the e-scooter
• use a mobile phone whilst riding an e-scooter
• leave the trial area
• ride on footpaths
• ride while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.

There are fines for riding an e-scooter outside of the trial area or on footpaths.

E-scooter trial locations may be updated at any time and the rules may vary in each trial location.

To find out more information about the trial, see E-scooters on the Transport for NSW website. 

E-skateboards

E-skateboards are not allowed on NSW roads or related areas, such as shared paths and bicycle lanes. They can only be used legally on private property.

For more information, see Where to ride bicycles, e-bikes and other wheeled devices in NSW on the NSW Government website.