Navigating the E-Bike Legislation Maze

A storm is brewing in the outdoor industry as new e-bike legislation threatens to devastate tour operators and hire businesses across New South Wales. With regulations set to take effect in February 2026, businesses face the alarming prospect of their entire e-bike fleets becoming non-compliant and essentially worthless overnight. The new certification requirements demand manufacturers recertify bikes under a new code, an impossible task for fleets more than 2 years old.

The challenges don't stop there. A simultaneous ban on e-bikes on public transport creates a frustrating contradiction: the state has invested nearly $52 million in mountain bike trails over the past two years, yet is restricting accessibility to these very facilities by public transport. We're actively advocating for sensible solutions, but we need your data to strengthen our case. If you operate in this space, please complete our questionnaire at https://outdoors.kartra.com/page/ebikesnsw immediately.

Meanwhile, exciting developments are unfolding across the sector. Our Pinnacle Leadership Program launches its second cohort next week, director nominations for 2025-2026 are now open, and our Outdoor Learning Mini Conference in September offers the rare opportunity to participate in a cultural burn. The Australian standard for artificial climbing structures is under review, and the ACT is examining barriers to recreational participation. The Merimbula Mountain Bike Manifesto continues gaining international traction as we move from strategy to implementation. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, we're navigating these challenging waters together. Will you join us in shaping the future of outdoor recreation? Complete our surveys, participate in consultations, and add your voice to these critical conversations.

Chapters

• 0:00 Welcome and Acknowledgement of Country
• 1:18 E-Bike Legislation Updates
• 5:51 Leadership Program and Director Nominations
• 8:17 NSW Recreational Fishing Peak Body
• 9:27 Climbing Standards and ACT Sport Consultation
• 11:02 Outdoor Learning Mini Conference Announcement
• 12:50 Mountain Bike Manifesto and Census Report
• 14:41 Episode Closing