E-bikes banned as Aus state cracks down
A common e-bike act has been banned in this Australia state as authorities move to clamp down on a series of worrying incidents.
The year 2025 has seen some of the biggest shifts to Australian road rules, and motorists are being warned of more changes on the way.
Halfway through 2025, mobile detection cameras were enhanced with the assistance of AI-powered surveillance cameras.
These new cameras can now detect and identify drivers who use, hold, or touch their mobile phones while driving.
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These changes were implemented in an attempt to crack down on reckless behaviour and reduce rising death tolls and injuries.
However, in some states and territories, Australian motorists are now being warned about even more new road rule changes. With many new regulations coming into effect on November 1.
Converted e-bikes ban in NSW
Those who own converted e-bikes are now banned from using certain public transport services in New South Wales.
It comes as the state government seeks to crack down on battery-related fires linked to e-mobility devices.
The new rule came into effect on November 1.
Converted e-bikes, which have become increasingly popular in recent years, are regular pedal bicycles that have been retrofitted with an electric motor and battery.
Authorities have now banned these e-bikes from trains or metro service whether or not it is attached to the bike.
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According to Transport for NSW, converted e-bikes have a “higher risk of electrical failure and fire risk to DIY installations, inadequate wiring and use of second-hand batteries and incompatible or poor-quality components.”
Commercially manufactured e-bikes and shared e-bikes will still be permitted.
Riders caught bringing a banned e-bike on board face a $400 on-the-spot fine, with a maximum penalty of $1,110.
NSW’s e-bike ban could spread nationwide after a spate of similar e-bike battery fire incidents in other states have affected public transport services in recent years.
NSW motorcycle safety crackdown
Transport for NSW has announced learners and provisional motorcycle riders will be required to wear compulsory safety gear under a new safety reform, which will be introduced over the next 12 months.
Under new reforms to the Motorcycle Graduated Licensing Scheme, learners and provisional riders will need to wear gloves, while all learners will be required to wear high-visibility vests while riding.
Additionally, those wishing to obtain a motorcycle licence will need to under go an extended pre-learner course and a new online learning module and knowledge test.
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“Motorcyclists are overrepresented in NSW road fatalities — they make up just 3.8 per cent of registered vehicles but account for nearly 20 per cent of road deaths,” a Transport for NSW spokesperson said.
The new rules align similarly with Victoria’s motorcycle safety laws, which require learners to wear high-visibility vests.
WA licence changes for overseas drivers
Western Australia is ending the Austroads Experienced Driver Recognition (EDR) category as of October 31, meaning overseas motorists from 16 countries will now need to sit a theory test and a practical driving assessment before obtaining a local licence.
The WA Government says the change ensures all drivers are held to the same standards.
Overseas drivers are being warned to check the new rules before hitting the road.
ACT rolls out seatbelt detection cameras
From November 3, mobile detection cameras in the ACT will start targeting drivers and passengers not wearing a seatbelt or wearing it incorrectly.
The technology is already in use in most states across the country, and now drivers in ACT are being warned about doing the wrong thing.
The rollout follows the Road Transport (Safety and Traffic Management) Amendment Bill 2025, which expands the types of offences the cameras can detect.
The ACT Government says the move is part of its ongoing effort to reduce road deaths and serious injuries.
Originally published as E-bikes banned as Aus state cracks down
Brutal truth about Aus e-bikes exposed
