Are students permitted to ride a legal e-bike to and from school?

Yes. Students can ride a privately owned e-bike if it meets Transport for NSW’s requirements

How should e-bikes be stored on school grounds?

The department’s Health, Safety and Staff Wellbeing team provide the following advice:

• charging of transportation device (e-bike and e-scooter) batteries is not permitted on department sites.
• batteries should be stored in a cool, dry place away from flammable materials.
• ensure e-bikes and e-scooters are stored in a location away from structures.

Refer to Lithium-ion batteries - usage, storage and management fact sheet PDF 102KB (staff only) for further information.

Although NSW legislation does not mandate a specific distance for storing e-bikes away from structures, general guidelines emphasise that storage areas should minimise fire risks. This includes keeping batteries and e-bikes in well-ventilated spaces, away from flammable materials, and not within enclosed structures where a fire could easily spread.

The school accepts no responsibility for loss, damage or theft. The department recommends that students lock their wheeled device with a secure chain.

What can a principal do if students demonstrate illegal or unsafe e-bike behaviour?

If a student is observed arriving at or leaving the school without wearing a properly fitted helmet, riding an unroadworthy or illegal e-bike, engaging in unsafe riding behaviour, they should:

• educate students about safe and responsible e-bike use through contextualised teaching and learning activities
• Inform parents and carers of NSW e-bike requirements and school expectations for safe, legal and responsible travel to and from school Safe and responsible use of e-bikes – sample parent letter
• notify relevant authorities if the school becomes aware of a traffic infringement issue, or efforts to liaise with parents and carers do not result in improved student riding behaviours
• document all the above actions.

DoE Legals advice - Banning riding to school (staff only)

Can a principal deny students from bringing e-bikes onto school grounds?

How a student travels to and from school is the responsibility of the parent or carer.

A principal cannot enforce how a student should or should not travel to school.

However, a principal can deny e-bikes being brought onto school premises if:

• it is identified that the traffic environment is unsafe for students to ride in.
• the e-bikes onsite present a hazard and/or safety risk to others.
• the e-bikes is illegal or illegally ridden on NSW road and road related areas, such as footpaths.
• there is a persistent display of unsafe behaviour when travelling
• there has been extensive consultation between school staff and the school community to identify, address and resolve the concern.

DoE Legals advice - Banning riding to school (staff only)

Can a principal deny parents and carers from bringing e-bikes onto school grounds?

Principals can set reasonable conditions for how parents and carers access the school site.

If e‑bikes create safety risks or can’t be safely managed on school grounds, principals may restrict bringing them onto the site.

Restrictions should be based on identified safety risks and communicated clearly to the school community.

Examples include providing expected behaviours for both students and parents:

• Dismounting at the gate.
• Walking bikes through the school grounds.
• Using designated parking areas.
• Limiting e‑bike access during busy times.

Principals should consult with their community and apply any restrictions consistently to support a safe environment for students, staff and visitors.

Can schools provide e-bike licences to students?

The department does not endorse the issuing of formal e-bike licences.

Students who complete an e-bike safety program may receive a participation or achievement award.

Schools should not sign these documents, as signatures may be interpreted as legal endorsement.

All programs should be inclusive, voluntary, and aligned with the department’s Road safety education procedures and Cycling - bicycle safety skills guidelines.

Schools are encouraged to communicate clearly with families about the importance of safe behaviours when riding and that any achievement award is educational only.