Move comes as Scruby applies pressure for mandatory licence and registration
Another Northern Beaches college has introduced a mandatory program for students who wish to ride e-bikes to school, as support grows for a licensing scheme.
Students at St Luke’s Grammar School in Dee Why must complete an online test to get a number plate to register their e-bikes which they ride to school. The test is run by E-Bike Safety Australia, and covers topics including ‘rules of the road’ and ‘if things go wrong’. Stella Maris was the first in NSW to mandate an e-bike program in 2024.
St Luke’s dean of students (Years 10 to 12) Gaby Smith said: “As a school we are passionate about this program because student safety is our priority. 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.”
The online test is similar to the driver knowledge test for learners, and Independent Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby said she wanted to go further and see education, licensing and registration made law.
Ms Scruby introduced her Road Legislation Amendment (E-Bike Regulation) Bill 2025 into Parliament on 19 March, to legislate a licensing scheme.
The move comes as the State Government legislated ‘crushing powers’ to seize and destroy illegal e-bikes which are throttle only, go faster than 25km/hr and operate like a motorbike. In addition, NSW will be the first state to introduce roadside dyno units, which are able to test if an e-bike can go faster than 25 km/hr.
Faced with increasing amounts of injuries, and even casualties caused by e-bikes, Labor has been looking for solutions following its e-mobility inquiry of 2024. Labor is looking to mandate an age restriction for riders, yet to be decided, but mooted between 12 and 16.
Ms Scruby said her bill goes further than any government changes. “Unfortunately licensing and registration are being ignored by the 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.
“If you drive a motorised bike you should know the road rules and be able to be held to account for complying with them.”
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.
Labor has not declared whether it would support Ms Scruby’s bill, with the Liberals supporting licencing.
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.”
