Date: 16th August

New South Wales has become the first Australian jurisdiction to require shared e-bike operators to obtain government and council approval before deploying devices, under new laws described by the state government as a national first.

Under the previous arrangements, shared scheme operators could deploy e-bikes without approval. From 14th August 2026, operators must be authorised by Transport for NSW and by local councils and other relevant authorities before providing services.

The laws set consistent state-wide minimum standards covering insurance, helmets, device standards and identification, and require operators to report trip, incident and complaint data. Non-compliant operators face penalties of up to $55,000, plus $5,500 per day for continuing breaches, including failure to remove e-bikes from inappropriate locations such as footpaths, pedestrian crossings, bus and light rail stops, taxi zones and fire exits.

Councils will gain powers to issue penalties for non-compliance and to establish dedicated parking zones, “no-go” and “go-slow” areas. Transport for NSW may suspend or revoke an operator’s approval where obligations aren’t met. Fleet caps will also link the number of shared devices permitted in an area to demand and performance.

A new per-trip levy on shared scheme operators will fund the $6.6 million Sharing Scheme Grant Program, which will allow councils to apply for up to $200,000 to deliver e-bike parking infrastructure. The government says the new powers, including parking zone requirements, will be phased in over coming months.

The reforms also target illegal private e-bike use, including new powers for NSW Police to seize and crush illegally modified e-bikes, a reduction in the permitted power output from 500 watts to 250 watts, a minimum riding age, new lithium-ion battery safety standards, and a ban on converted e-bikes on trains and Sydney Metro services.

Transport Minister John Graham said the changes would make shared e-bikes “safer and more reliable” while addressing community concerns about bikes left cluttering streets.

Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray said the reforms were designed to preserve the benefits of shared e-bike schemes while responding to community feedback on safety and improperly parked devices.