New South Wales is considering a plan to halve the maximum power and top speed of ebikes, following the death of a rider in a collision with a garbage truck in central Sydney. The rider, a man in his 30s, died at the scene in Ultimo on Tuesday morning after the truck turned into George Street from Little Regent Street.
Premier Chris Minns told 2GB radio that the government is considering reducing the legal power limit from 500 watts to 250 watts, which would cut maximum speeds from 50-60 km/h to 25-30 km/h. Minns said the change could be implemented by regulation in the coming months, describing it as a “serious change” needed to address safety concerns.
NSW police also urged parents to buy only legal, unmodified ebikes as Christmas presents. Assistant Commissioner David Driver said officers are cracking down on modified bikes and dangerous riding, warning that powerful ebikes can be as fast as cars. “Don’t get pressured by your children, peers or salespeople into buying the most powerful bike,” he said.
The crash occurred around 6am on Tuesday. The truck driver, a 28-year-old man, was taken to hospital for mandatory testing. Police established a crime scene and are investigating, but no charges have been laid. A damaged Lime rental ebike was removed from the scene, with its helmet still clipped into the front basket.
