The Sutherland Shire has become the epicentre of a major shift in e-bike safety across Australia, with the launch of E-Bike Safety Australia’s (EBSA) groundbreaking school safety program. For the first time in the country, students riding e-bikes will be issued visible ID tags (number plates) to promote accountability and safe riding practices.
Why E-Bike Safety Matters More Than Ever
With the growing popularity of high-powered and modified e-bikes among young Australians, concerns about safety, legal compliance, and reckless behaviour have reached a crisis point. The EBSA initiative is the first of its kind in Australia and is being praised as a pragmatic and proactive approach to a fast-evolving transport issue.
Combining Education With Accountability
The new EBSA program is designed to do more than just regulate — it aims to educate young riders and their communities. Students must complete an online safety course covering:
- Proper helmet usage
- Battery and charging safety
- Australian road rules for e-bikes
- Riding etiquette
- How to respond in emergencies
Upon passing the course, students receive a digital rider licence and a school-specific number plate for their e-bike. These visible tags help schools, law enforcement, and the local community easily identify which riders are trained and compliant with safety protocols.
Educating Parents About E-Bike Laws
The initiative also includes a new parent-focused education module aimed at clarifying the legal aspects of e-bike ownership. A key concern is the illegal deregulation or modification of speed limiters — which can allow e-bikes to exceed their legal speed of 25km/h.
"Many parents don’t realise that modifying an e-bike’s speed limiter is illegal and dangerous," said an EBSA spokesperson. "Our approach is simple: educate first, allow time for compliance, then assist with enforcement where necessary."
Backed by Authorities and Experts
The EBSA school safety program has already gained support from local councils, road safety experts, law enforcement, and Members of Parliament. It sets a new benchmark for how Australia can address the challenges of e-mobility and youth safety.
With the rising popularity of e-bikes across urban and suburban Australia, the program is being hailed as a necessary step toward making school zones and public roads safer for everyone.
A National Movement in the Making
EBSA is now inviting schools, local governments, and bike retailers across the country to join the movement. The goal is to roll out the initiative nationwide before stricter regulations come into effect.
By focusing on education, visibility, and community responsibility, the EBSA program represents a future-forward solution to one of Australia's most pressing youth safety concerns.
For more information or to get your school involved, visit the official E-Bike Safety Australia website.
