Christmas is weeks away and we’re guessing that Santa will be squeezing e-bikes down many chimneys for Northern Beaches teenagers this year.
Navigating a new world with an e-bike or other e-mobility devices under your roof can be both exciting and daunting, especially when it comes to ensuring your child’s behaviour on a bike remains safe and legal.
We’ve prepared this guide to help you get the facts on what is legal and sensible, and tips to help you guide your kids to keep them and everyone else safe on local roads and shared paths.
1. Helmets are non-negotiable!
Helmets are not just a good idea, they are a legal requirement for all bicycle riders, including those on e-bikes. Like them or not, kids and adults need to wear them. Learn more about helmets.
2. What’s legal, and what’s not
In NSW, all e-mobility devices except e-bikes are restricted to private property only. This means e-scooters, hoverboards and other e-mobility devices can’t be legally ridden on the road or footpath. Breaking this rule can lead to a hefty fine of $723.
3. Know your e-bike speed limits and keep them legal
E-bikes are a fantastic way to get around but tweaking them to exceed the 25km/hr speed limit without pedalling makes them illegal. Doing so could land you and your child with a $723 fine for riding an unregistered device, and potentially an additional infringement for riding a vehicle without a license.
Bike shops might not always disclose this information, so make sure you know what the e-bike is set to and if your child or anyone else, has tampered with it.
4. Ding-ding! All bicycles need a bell
Ensure your child's bike is equipped with a bell. It's a small but essential safety feature that can prevent collisions and help alert pedestrians and other cyclists of their presence.
5. Pedestrians first: Etiquette on shared paths
Teach your child to slow down, ring their bell when approaching pedestrians, and give way courteously. Overtaking should be avoided or done slowly and cautiously.
6. Safe speeds in public spaces
Kids don’t all understand what ‘safe speed’ means. Emphasise to them the importance of responsible speed, especially in crowded areas like shopping districts. Pedestrians may unexpectedly step onto a path, and maintaining a safe speed can prevent accidents and promote a safer environment for everyone.
7. Liability and insurance: Prepare for the unexpected
In the event of an accident, did you know that you as a parent may be held responsible for your child’s behaviour on an e-bike or other device?
Consider looking into bicycle insurance to protect against potential liability issues. And note, insurance is void for illegal devices, so ensure your family’s e-bike is in compliance with regulations, and that no-one is riding other illegal devices in public spaces.
8. Inducting your child to the road and shared paths
This may sound crazy, but we recommend you implement an induction process for your child, teaching them the etiquette of sharing roads and paths with other users. This could help them understand traffic rules, develop respect for pedestrians, and become aware of their surroundings.