A Christmas Win for Our Industry: Exemption Secured for E-Micromobility Hire Operators

This festive season brings more than holiday cheer for the outdoor and visitor economy industries—it delivers long-awaited regulatory clarity for the many operators who hire e-bikes, e-scooters and other e-micromobility equipment across New South Wales.

After sustained and collective advocacy led by Outdoors NSW & ACT (ONSWACT), together with Bicycle Industries Australia, the Caravan & Camping Industry Association of NSW, and the NSW Tourism Association, the NSW Government has announced a crucial exemption that ensures hire, rental and lease businesses are not unfairly impacted by new safety regulations governing lithium-ion battery-powered e-micromobility vehicles.

This exemption represents a meaningful win for operators who contribute so significantly to outdoor recreation, active transport, regional tourism and the broader visitor economy. It reflects what our sector can achieve when we unite around shared challenges and engage government with evidence, clarity and collaboration.

What Has Changed?

NSW Fair Trading has confirmed that any e-micromobility vehicle purchased before 1 February 2026 and used exclusively for hire, lease or rent will be exempt from the testing, certification and marking requirements that were initially set to apply universally.

This exemption covers:

• E-bikes

• E-bike batteries

• Electric scooters

• Self-balancing scooters

• Electric skateboards

• E-micromobility batteries

To be eligible, fleets must be:

• used entirely for hire/rental/lease purposes

• purchased before 1 February 2026

• compliant with the relevant product standards set out in the NSW Gazette

The exemption is automatic, meaning businesses do not need to apply. However, Fair Trading may request proof of purchase and compliance when required.

What Happens After 1 February 2026?

From 1 February 2026, all e-micromobility vehicles sold in NSW—including second-hand units and those exiting hire fleets—must meet full testing, certification and marking requirements.

Non-compliance may attract penalties up to $825,000, and hire businesses must continue to meet existing Information Standard obligations when supplying equipment to customers, with penalties up to $5,500 for breaches.

ONSWACT acknowledges NSW Fair Trading and the Department of Customer Service for their willingness to engage deeply with industry and respond to practical concerns. We also extend our thanks to our partner organisations—Bicycle Industries Australia, the Caravan & Camping Industry Association of NSW, and the NSW Tourism Association—for their shared leadership in ensuring hire businesses received fair and workable regulatory treatment.

Together, our voices ensured that a regulation did not inadvertently disadvantage businesses that play a vital role in encouraging active lifestyles, sustainable recreation, and tourism experiences across NSW.

This exemption offers certainty and relief for operators heading into the busy summer season, allowing them to focus on what they do best—helping people explore, move and enjoy the outdoors safely.

ONSWACT remains committed to supporting our members and the industry as a whole. If you need assistance in understanding or sharing this update with your networks, please contact our team.