E-BIKE BAN REVERSED
Following its July proposal for a blanket ban, the NSW Government has announced that most e-bikes are still welcome on trains. Only DIY kits that convert regular bikes to e-bikes will be banned from Sydney Trains and Metro services, starting from 1st November 2025.
As Minster for Transport John Graham said: “The overwhelming message from the consultation was that banning all e-bikes from trains would go too far. Taking out the highest risk e-bikes is a sensible and balanced step.”
This is a huge win for cyclists, including many Bike North members who take their e-bikes by train. Congratulations to Bicycle NSW and their lobbying efforts. Congratulations to all the cyclists who responded to the government's survey. Bike North also contacted local members of parliament. Bike North efforts were led by Tom Rubin.
This isn’t the end of the story - Improved and nationally consistent e-bike definitions and regulations are urgently needed in Australia. Bike North and Bicycle NSW have advocated for the Australian Government to stem the flood of poor quality, over-powered e-bikes and scooters. When member for Mackellar, Dr Sophie Scamps, presented a bill to parliament, which included reinstatement of the EN15194 standard for all e-bikes imported into Australia, this bill was seconded by local MP Nicolette Boele after she had spoken with Bike North's Carolyn New. |