Choosing a legal e-bike in NSW: What you need to know first
Understanding what makes an e-bike legal in NSW can be confusing. Many riders find themselves feeling overwhelmed by all the jargon, especially since different brands advertise compliance in different ways. The truth is, any e-bike that meets the NSW definitions is legal, no matter the brand.
Recent laws introduced by the NSW government, along with updated compliance standards that manufacturers must follow, have actually made things clearer. For riders, this means it is now much easier to identify which e-bikes are legal and which ones are not.
The easiest way of understanding what makes an e-bike legal in NSW
The simplest way to make sense of what makes an ebike compliant is to compare three types of bikes. A motorbike runs entirely on fuel. A push bike runs entirely on your legs. An e-bike sits in the middle: you provide the energy by pedalling, and the motor gives you an extra boost from its battery.
What matters under NSW law is that you are pedalling and the motor is only helping, not doing all the work. If a bike can run on the motor alone or pushes past the power and speed limits, it is no longer classed as an e-bike. At that point the law treats it like a motorbike, which means it is illegal to ride on NSW roads and bike paths.
The 2 legal categories of e-bikes in NSW:
NSW's official rules define 2 types of legal e-bikes: Power Assisted Pedal Cycles (PAPC) and Electrically Power Assisted Cycles (EPAC).
What are Power Assisted Pedal Cycles (PAPCs)?
Power Assisted Pedal Cycles (PAPCs) are cycles with maximum motor power of 200W, which are intended to assist riders in moving forward as they pedal. According to the NSW Parliament, PAPcs have been legal for over 40 years.
What are Electrically Power Assisted Cycles (EPACs)?
Electrically Power Assisted Cycles (EPACs) are electric bikes with maximum continuous motor power of 500W, which deliver enough power for everyday riding while still meeting legal requirements.
EPACs were recently introduced as the second type of e-bike legal in NSW to match European standards. In fact, almost all the compliant e-bikes you'll see in NSW today are EPACs, because of the practical motor power rating.
2 main differences between Power Assisted Pedal Cycles (PAPCs) and Electrically Power-Assisted Cycles (EPACS):
- Motor Power Output: PAPCs maximum motor output is 200W vs. EPACs which have a maximum continuous motor output of 500W.
- PAPCs cannot move forward without pedalling, EPACs cannot move forward without pedalling more than 6 km/h.
These are the core differences between PAPCs and EPACs. For the full list of requirements (like weight and design rules), check the official NSW government guidelines.
Common myths about legal E-bikes in NSW
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All fat tyre bikes are illegal → false.
Fatboy bikes are the first and only fat tyre bikes in Australia to be certified → false.
All ebikes sold in NSW are legal → False.
What to check before buying an e-bike (EPAC) in NSW?
Before you buy an e-bike in NSW, run through this quick checklist to make sure it’s compliant:
☑ Motor power: 500W maximum continuous for an EPAC.
☑ Pedalling required: the motor must only assist, never replace pedalling.
☑ Speed cut-off: the motor should progressively reduce after 6 km/h and stop at 25 km/h.
☑ Certification: check that the bike and charger have passed under the UL 2271 or UL 2849.
☑ Retailer claims: do not just take “compliant” on a website at face value, confirm it against NSW’s official definitions.
If you don't want to take any chances or skip the hassle, check out our collection of certified e-bikes in NSW. Visit our certifications page to read the official compliance documents for our collection of e-bikes, approved under NSW standards.
FAQs about legal e-bikes in NSW
Are electric bikes legal in NSW?
Yes, electric bikes are legal in NSW, but not all of them. The motor must assist you, not replace you.
Are ebikes illegal in NSW?
E-bikes are not illegal in NSW if they meet the requirements. What makes them illegal is when the motor does all the work or when the bike goes beyond the wattage and speed limits. At that point it is no longer classed as an e-bike, it is treated as a motorbike under the law.
If you ride one of these non-compliant bikes on NSW roads or paths, you risk more than just a slap on the wrist. Significant fines apply, and police can seize your bike on the spot.
Which electric bikes are legal in NSW?
If you want to see the exact models that are certified as road-legal in NSW, explore our collection of certified ebikes for sale in NSW, these include Fatfish ebikes, Fatboy ebikes, and Smartmotion ebikes. There are two categories of e-bikes that are legal in NSW.
1. Power-assisted pedal cycles
To be permitted on NSW roads and paths, these bikes:
- Can have one or more motors with a combined maximum output of 200 watts
- Cannot be propelled by the motor alone, the rider must be pedalling
- Must weigh less than 50 kilograms including the battery
- Must have a height-adjustable seat
2. Electrically power-assisted cycles (EPACs)
To be permitted on NSW roads and paths, these bikes:
- Can have a motor with a maximum continuous rated power of 500 watts
- The motor power must progressively reduce as speed increases above 6 km/h
- The motor must cut out completely when the bike reaches 25 km/h, or when the rider stops pedalling and the bike is moving faster than 6 km/h
What to know before buying an E-bike in NSW?
Before buying an e-bike in NSW, check that it meets compliance rules: 200W for a PAPC or 500W for an EPAC, with motor assistance that cuts out at 25 km/h. Make sure pedalling is required, the battery and charger are safety-certified (UL 2271 or UL 2849), and the retailer clearly confirms compliance.
Are all electric bikes road legal?
No, all electric bikes are not road legal. Ebikes exceeding the maximium motor power output, speed limit caps and not compliant with the UL 2271 and UL 2849 standards are not road legal. Also, petrol-powered bicycles are completely illegal on NSW roads and public paths. This includes any bike with a petrol engine attached before or after purchase, or any powered by another type of internal combustion engine.
Are Surrons illegal in NSW?
Yes, Surrons are illegal to ride on NSW roads and public paths because their motors can operate without pedalling and exceed legal power and speed limits. They can only be used on private property or off-road tracks.
What happens if you ride a non compliant e-bike in NSW?
Riding a non-compliant e-bike in NSW can lead to fines, penalties, and your bike being seized by police. Only bikes that meet the NSW definitions of legal e-bikes (PAPCs and EPACs) can be ridden on roads and public paths.
Do I need a license or registration for an e-bike in NSW?
You do not need a licence or registration to ride an e-bike in NSW if it meets compliance rules. If the bike exceeds power or speed limits and is classed as a motorbike, then it requires both registration and a licence.
Are petrol powered bikes legal in NSW?
No, petrol-powered bicycles are illegal on NSW roads and public paths. This includes bicycles with a petrol engine fitted before or after purchase, or any other internal combustion engine.
How do I know if my e-bike is certified for NSW?
Check the motor power, speed cut-off, and certification. Legal e-bikes in NSW must be 200W PAPCs or 500W EPACs, with motors that stop assisting at 25 km/h. Look for safety certifications like UL 2271 and UL 2849.,
What certifications should a legal e-bike have in NSW?
Legal e-bikes in NSW should meet recognised safety standards. Look for certification of the battery and charger under UL 2271 and UL 2849, which test for fire and electrical safety. Bikes must also meet the NSW definitions of PAPCs or EPACs to be road-legal.