Arabic version: نيو ساوث ويلز تحدد الحد الأدنى لسن راكبي الدراجات الكهربائية وسط مخاوف تتعلق بالسلامة

New South Wales (NSW) has announced the introduction of a minimum age requirement for riding electric bikes (ebikes), aiming to enhance safety for both riders and pedestrians. According to The Guardian, the age limit will be set between 12 and 16 years old following an expert review by Transport for NSW.

Transport Minister John Graham emphasized the importance of keeping children safe while encouraging outdoor activity. He noted that the current situation allows children of any age to ride ebikes, which can sometimes be heavier than the riders themselves. The new regulations aim to ensure that ebikes perform more like traditional bicycles rather than high-powered motorbikes.

In addition to setting a minimum age, the NSW government plans to adopt safety and performance standards akin to those in Europe. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to phase out illegal, high-powered ebikes over a three-year transition period. By March 1, 2029, only ebikes that meet European standards will be permitted on NSW roads.

The move comes as the state grapples with the growing popularity of ebikes, with more than 750,000 ebikes currently on NSW roads. The government aims to address public concerns regarding safety and the prevalence of modified ebikes that pose risks to both riders and the community.

As the regulations take shape, authorities are also encouraging public assistance to report any illegal ebikes. The changes reflect NSW’s commitment to enhancing road safety amid the rising trend of ebike usage among young riders.