Bill would make licence and registration mandatory
Independent Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby says the State Government must make e-bike licensing mandatory, and has introduced a bill in NSW Parliament to make it happen.
Faced with increasing amounts of injuries, and even fatalities caused by e-bikes, Labor has been looking for solutions following its e-mobility inquiry of 2024. The latest regulation changes include crushing e-bikes which have been illegally adapted to go over the 25km/hr limit, and a rider age restriction – yet to be decided, but between 12 and 16.
However, Ms Scruby is adamant that licensing, registration, education and accountability are crucial. Speaking on 19 March when she introduced her Road Legislation Amendment (E-Bike Regulation) Bill 2026 into Parliament, Ms Scruby said the premise was 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.”
“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.
Independent Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby
Under the bill, e-bikes would be defined as legally different from standard bicycles. The transport minster would be given power to introduce licensing, registration and footpath speed limits (currently 15km/hr).
Ms Scruby likened her proposal to boat licensing, where children must pass a test at Services NSW to drive on the water. “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,” Ms Scruby said.
“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.”
Labor has not declared whether it would support the bill, with the Liberals in favour of licencing. However, in response to the e-mobility inquiry recommendation that the government should explore options for making the driver knowledge test compulsory for all e-riders over the age of 16, it said: “The NSW Government is not proposing a requirement to hold a driver or rider licence to ride an e-scooter. This is consistent with the current policy for…bicycle (including e-bike) riders in NSW and other states.”
It also said it would ‘explore options for an online road rules test for e-bike riders under 16.’
Ms Scruby said the government’s approach focussed ‘too heavily on punitive measures without properly considering practical safety reforms.’
“Licensing and registration are being ignored by the government, but it is the missing link in addressing dangerous riding and supports insurance that protects those injured by bikes – like a Northern Beaches resident who is now facing $30,000 in medical costs following a recent accident.”
Ms Scruby believes that if bikes had number plates, it would be easier for police to investigate anti-social behaviour, like rideouts on Long Reef Golf Course earlier this year.
“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.
“It’s not that hard. We already have trials of license plates like E-Bike Safety Australia currently being undertaken at high schools like St Luke’s Dee Why.”