It is official: the era of the 500W e-bike in NSW is ending. Following a major announcement in December 2025, the NSW Government confirmed it is scrapping its unique power allowance to align with the rest of Australia.
If you are looking to buy an e-bike in 2026, the ground is shifting beneath your feet. Here is everything you need to know about the new 250W power limit, the federal import crackdown, and how to make sure your next bike is future-proof.
The “NSW Exception” Is Over
Since 2023, NSW has been the only state in Australia to allow electric bikes to have a continuous power output of up to 500 watts. This created a confusing “patchwork” of laws where a bike purchased in Sydney was technically illegal to ride just across the border in Victoria or Queensland.
That confusion ends now.
As part of a safety crackdown, the NSW Government has confirmed it is reducing the maximum continuous power limit from 500W to 250W. This brings NSW in line with the EN 15194 standard used by the rest of Australia and Europe. To learn more about EN 15194 read our full article here: What is EN 15194 Certification?
While the exact enforcement date hasn’t been gazetted, the direction is clear. The official advice as of 15 January 2026 on the Transport for NSW website is:
“We will soon be changing the rules for e-bikes. Choose a bike that meets European Standard EN 15194 – it’s legal to ride now and in the future. Check for the EN 15194 mark or ask your retailer.”
For the latest updates, you can check the Transport for NSW website here.
Why the Law is Changing
This isn’t just bureaucracy; it’s a safety reset. The rapid rise of “illegal import” e-bikes (often overpowered and under-tested) has led to a spike in battery fires and serious accidents.
The NSW changes align with strict new Federal import rules that kicked in on December 19, 2025. These rules now require all e-bikes imported into Australia to meet the EN 15194 safety standard. This effectively turns off the supply tap for non-compliant bikes at the border.
What this means for safety:
- No more “motorbikes” in disguise: The new rules target devices that are essentially unregistered motorcycles.
- Battery Standards: From February 1, 2026, all e-mobility devices sold in NSW must have accredited testing and electrical safety approval marks.
Buyer Beware: The Supply Chain is Changing
If you are shopping for an e-bike right now, it is important to understand exactly what you are buying.
Currently, retailers are still permitted to sell 500W e-bikes that are certified under the existing NSW standards. If you buy one of these bikes before the change, you are purchasing a legal vehicle. However, because of the federal import ban, once this stock is sold, replacement units cannot be imported unless they are EN 15194 certified. The market is naturally shifting toward the national 250W standard.
Will Existing Bikes be “Grandfathered”?
We know many riders are worried about their current 500W bikes. While the NSW Government has not yet released the final transition details, early indications suggest that e-bikes purchased legally before the new 250W rule comes into effect will be “grandfathered.”
What does Grandfathering mean?
It typically means that if you bought a product that was fully compliant at the time of purchase, you are allowed to continue using it even after the rules change for new products. Essentially, your bike should remain legal to ride, provided you don’t modify it further.
The “UL” Certification Shift
You will see many brands promoting UL 2849 (or UL 2271) certification. It is critical to understand what this means moving forward.
Previously, the NSW Government allowed UL 2849 as a certification pathway for high-powered bikes (over 250W) because it rigorously tests fire safety. However, with the return to the 250W limit, this pathway is effectively closing for future models.
While UL remains an excellent standard for fire safety, it does not test for the “road legal” parameters required by the incoming national standard, specifically speed limits (25km/h cut-off), continuous power (250W), and pedal-assist-only operation.
Brands relying solely on this pathway for high-power models will need to significantly alter their hardware (changing motors, removing throttles, and swapping controllers) to obtain EN 15194 certification.
True North: Evolving for the Future
We’ve already commenced design and engineering changes to our range to ensure our bikes are compliant when the new laws come into effect.
- The Seeker & Finder: We are currently re-engineering these models to meet the incoming EN 15194 specifications. This means future models will be 250W and certified to EN 15194 standards.
- The Zero: If you are looking to ride immediately, the True North Zero (available in Step Through and Step Over) is already fully certified to the new EN 15194 standard. It is 100% compliant, safe, and available for sale nationally right now.
The Risk of Non-Compliance
If you choose to ride a non-compliant bike (one that isn’t grandfathered or was bought illegally) on public roads after the enforcement date, you risk:
- Fines: For riding an unregistered and uninsured motor vehicle.
- Confiscation: Police have increased powers to seize illegal devices.
- Insurance Voids: Your home and contents liability cover likely won’t protect you if you are riding a bike deemed illegal.
Need a street-legal commuter that packs a punch? Shop the EN 15194 Certified True North Zero.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information on the changing regulations. Always check the latest https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/bicycle-riders/ebikes for the most current legal advice.
