Labor digs in: no plan for problem e-bike behaviour
Natalie Ward
Deputy Leader of the NSW Liberals
Shadow Minister for Transport and Infrastructure
The Minns Labor Government’s latest rushed policy on e-bikes to impose age limits raises serious questions about enforcement, consistency and whether the reforms will actually change rider behaviour.
Media reports today show that the Government isn’t even sure what its own age limit policy is going to be, with the Government intending to ban children under 12, while Transport for NSW will look at banning children under 16, and a massive admission that the Government has no idea how it will be enforced.
Speaking on Sydney’s 2GB Radio in January 2026, Minister for Transport, John Graham, said of the NSW Liberals and Nationals’ proposal for an e-bike licence plate registration that it would be too hard to work out whether a 17-year-old rider was just saying they were 18-years-old to avoid needing a licence plate.
Now, under pressure, the Minister wants the NSW Police Force to read up on Puberty Blues.
The only feasible way to enforce the proposed age limit requires all legal riders, including those between the ages of 12 and 16 to carry a form of mandatory government-issued identification to prove basic identity information such as name, age and address.
Communities across NSW are not raising concerns about technical definitions; they want clear action that enforces behaviour to stop the reckless riding, the intimidation of pedestrians and a lack of visible enforcement.
Today’s “announcement” shows that the Minns Labor Government will do everything they possibly can to not adopt the NSW Liberals and Nationals’ sensible licence plate registration scheme for those under 18, delivery rider and shared service schemes.
The NSW Liberals and Nationals maintain that reforms must prioritise enforcement mechanisms that police can realistically apply on the ground and that parents can rely on when setting boundaries for their children.
Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward said that the announcement seemed designed for media attention and continues the tin-ear approach of the Government when it comes to e-bikes.
“Labor’s announcement still doesn’t answer the most basic question: how behaviour will be enforced,” Ms Ward said.
“Until you enforce the rules and have accountability, nothing will change.”
“Police need a clear tool for enforcement of rider behaviour, and the NSW Liberals and Nationals’ policy will give them one.”
“This looks like another headline designed to sound tough and look like something is happening, while questions on practical enforcement remain unanswered.”
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