NSW e-bike crackdown looms with fines up to $825k for breaching new safety requirements

E-bikes have exploded in popularity and plenty of young Australians will be asking for one for Christmas, not realising new safety laws are about to come into effect.

NSW will soon require manufacturers and suppliers of e-micromobility products –including e-bikes – to adhere to extra safety precautions or face up to $825,000 in fines.

These new rules come into effect early next year and will change the way Australians buy and sell e-bikes.

Here's what you need to know before the crackdown starts in 2026.

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What are the new e-bike safety laws?

All e-micromobility devices and the lithium-ion batteries that power them will soon need to comply with mandatory safety standards before they can be sold in NSW.

That includes e-bikes, e-scooters*, e-skateboards, and self-balancing scooters.

This is because they are now 'declared electrical articles' under the Gas and Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2017.

Under the new rules, any e-bike must be tested, certified and marked before it can be sold to consumers in NSW.

Safety tests must be carried out at an accredited testing laboratory.

The lab will produce a test report that demonstrates the e-bike and its batteries comply with the new standards.

Manufacturers and suppliers must present this report in order to obtain a NSW Fair Trading Certificate of Approval, which costs about $1200.

The certified e-bike and batteries will then be marked as certified, typically with the NSW Fair Trading format 'NSWxxxxx'.

Australian consumers should look for these certifications when shopping for e-bikes and other e-micromobility products in NSW.

Chargers must already be tested, certified and marked under existing rules.

*Personal e-scooters are illegal on all NSW roads, footpaths, shared paths and bicycle lanes, and must only be used on private property.

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Why is NSW introducing new battery standards?

These new standards are being introduced in a bid to reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires.

Lithium-ion batteries are among the fastest growing fire risks in NSW, especially if they're not manufactured to strict safety standards or handled correctly.

And they're not just causing fires in Sydney and its surrounds.

In the last 12 months alone lithium-ion batteries have sparked fires in homes across Victoria, NSW, and WA, some of which have been deadly.

The new safety standards in NSW aim to crack down on unsafe and modified e-micromobility products and batteries that pose significant fire risks.

When do the new e-bike safety laws come into effect?

The new safety regulations come into effect on February 1, 2026.

From that date, all e-bikes, e-scooters, e-skateboards, self-balancing scooters, and the lithium-ion batteries they rely on must be certified safe prior to sale in NSW.

Suppliers must also adhere to the new Information Standard for lithium-ion e-micromobility devices in NSW.

It came into effect in August 2025 and dictates that all suppliers must provide clear and accurate safety information about e-bikes and other devices that use lithium-ion batteries at the point of supply.

That includes information about how to use, charge and store the device and its batteries safely, as well as how to prevent fires.

Failure to comply with that standard or the new safety requirements may result in hefty fines for manufacturers and suppliers.

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What are the fines?

Under the new regulations, manufacturers and suppliers of e-bikes may be fined up to $825,000 for breaching safety standards.

Suppliers may also face fines up to $5500 for breaching the NSW Information Standard for lithium-ion e-bikes.

NSW Fair Trading will conduct regular inspections to ensure businesses understand their obligations and meet these requirements.

Those found to be non-compliant may face enforcement action and penalties.

How can I check if a new e-bike is compliant?

Australians looking to purchase an e-bike, e-scooter or other e-micromobility product are advised to check NSW Fair Trading's register of certified products

The vehicle and battery models on the register, which is updated regularly, have been certified as compliant.

Some of the e-bike brands already on the register include DiroDi and Fatboy Bikes.

Have you got a story? Contact reporter Maddison Leach at mleach@nine.com.au

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