The NSW Liberals and Nationals are calling on the Minns Labor Government reconsider their opposition to its Australian first e-bike licence plate policy for select user groups following the release of horrific e-bike injury data.
Data released today from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reveals the urgent need for critical interventions to change behaviour of young people riding e-bikes.
The independent health data reveals:
Hospitalisation rates rose for the transport group that includes e-bikes, with the largest increases among younger people, especially those aged 12–15 and 16–24 years
The largest increases in hospitalisation rates occurred among young males.
In NSW hospitalisations for e-bikes riders has tripled from 125 hospitalisations in 2009-2010 to 604 in 2024-2025.
Under the NSW Liberal and National’s policy the licensing scheme would require a government issued license plate to be attached to an e-bike when used by riders who are under the age of 18; riders who use e–bikes for a commercial purpose; and commercial shared service schemes.
Riders aged 18 and over who use a privately-owned e-bike will be exempt from the scheme.
Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward said the Minns Labor Government is wilfully ignoring the problem.
“Accountability can’t begin with a trip to the emergency room. The data tells the story – e-bike injuries are out of control, and the Minns Labor Government is taking a weak slow reactive approach,” Ms Ward said.
“If we change behaviour we will get less injuries.”
“We’ve had our policy public for nearly a year, and the Government has taken no action to change behaviour. It is wilful ignorance at this point.”
“It’s a soft approach that prioritises the approval of bureaucrats and the active transport lobby above common sense to keep kids safe.”
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