E-bike age limit: Minns signals NSW could set minimum of 12

NSW Premier Chris Minns has signalled the state government is moving towards a minimum age of 12 for riding electric bikes, offering the clearest indication yet of how it will respond to an independent safety review. The premier made the remarks during the debut of Kyle Sandilands Live, a new digital radio show, after the host revealed he had bought his 11-year-old godson an e-bike.

A throwaway remark becomes a policy signal

Speaking on the show, Minns joked with Sandilands about the cancellation of the Kyle and Jackie O Show, telling the host: "I was worried for you." The pair also traded anecdotes about meeting at an ice-cream shop in the Blue Mountains, with Sandilands quipping that he thought the premier "was a meth head" because he had on a beanie and was rugged up. But the tone turned serious when Sandilands mentioned his godson's new e-bike.

"We are examining an … age limit of 12," Minns said, adding: "We haven't finalised the details yet." That statement marks the first time the premier has publicly floated a specific number, aligning with the range of 12-to-16 that an expert review was asked to consider.

Why is the government looking at e-bike rules?

The move comes amid growing concern over e-bike safety. The NSW government commissioned an independent expert review after a surge in injuries involving e-bikes, including an incident in February in which around 40 e-bikes swarmed the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The review was tasked with recommending an age limit between 12 and 16, and it was expected to report back to the government in June. While the premier did not confirm a final decision, his public mention of 12 suggests the government may be leaning towards the lower end of that spectrum, though he stressed that details remain unresolved.

What would a minimum age mean?

Introducing a minimum age of 12 would have significant implications for families, schools, and the e-bike industry. Currently, children under 16 are generally allowed to ride low-powered e-bikes in NSW, but the rules are complex and often disregarded. A clear age limit could make enforcement easier, but it would also restrict access for younger riders who use e-bikes to get to school or sports. The e-bike market has boomed in recent years, and retailers may face new compliance requirements if the government changes the law.

Policy advocates have called for stricter regulations, pointing to hospital data showing a rise in e-bike-related emergency presentations. The Harbour Bridge incident, in particular, drew widespread attention and prompted the government to act. However, any new rules will need to balance safety with mobility and environmental benefits. The premier's comment suggests the government is aware of these tensions and is still working through the details.

The show's unusual political stage

Minns's appearance on Sandilands's new program was itself a notable moment. The show, launched after the cancellation of the Kyle and Jackie O Show in March, is part of a shift in Sydney's radio landscape. Sandilands, known for his provocative style, turned the interview into a mix of banter and policy discussion. For a premier, appearing on such a program allows direct access to a broad audience, but it also risks off-the-cuff remarks gaining more weight than intended. In this case, the e-bike comment was delivered casually, yet it is likely to be scrutinised by transport safety experts and the e-bike industry alike.

What happens next?

The expert review is expected to deliver its findings in June, and the government will then finalise its position. If the age limit of 12 is adopted, NSW would join a growing list of jurisdictions tightening e-bike rules. Until then, the premier's words serve as a clear signal that change is coming, even if the exact contours remain vague. For parents like Sandilands's godson's, it may mean waiting a little longer before the youngest riders can hit the road on two wheels.

As the review process continues, the government will need to consult with stakeholders, including e-bike retailers, safety groups, and local councils. The final decision could set a precedent for other states grappling with the same issues. For now, the message from NSW's leader is simple: e-bikes are here to stay, but the rules around who can ride them are about to change.