Judge calls e-bike laws a mess after rider caught exceeding speed limit
A NSW judge called e-bike laws confusing after a disqualified driver broke the law on an illegal bike.
A 57-year-old from Wollongong was charged with driving while disqualified after riding an e-bike at 70kmh in a 50kmh zone. The rider thought he was doing the right thing by switching to an e-bike, but his model could reach 72kmh, well above the legal limit.
In Wollongong Local Court on November 2, Judge David Williams said e-bike laws are "a mess and very confusing". The judge noted it is a common mistake: many disqualified drivers buy e-bikes unaware some models are actually illegal.
Legal e-bikes in NSW have a maximum motor power of 500 watts and must cut out at 25kmh. Anything faster becomes a motorcycle and needs a rider's licence.
Police in the Illawarra destroyed 22 illegal e-bikes in October alone. The rules change again in 2029 when the power limit drops to 250 watts.
- 70kmh in a 50kmh zone
- Rider's speed
- 72kmh
- Bike's maximum speed
- 25kmh
- Legal power cutout
- 22 in October
- Illegal bikes destroyed
Why it mattersIf you own or ride an e-bike, you could face court charges without realising your model is illegal. The safest move is to have police check yours at your local station.
AustraliaNSW riders and parents buying e-bikes for kids need to check the motor power and speed limits. Police can seize illegal models, and riders can face fines or court.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
