The NSW government will halve the maximum e-bike power output allowed in the state to 250 watts after a rider died in a collision with a garbage truck in Sydney’s CBD. 

Emergency services were called to the intersection of Little Regent Street and George Street in Ultimo about 6am on Tuesday.

The rider, a man aged in his 30s, was treated by paramedics but died at the scene.

Police car and tap block road at Ultimo in central Sydney

Police closed the road after the rider’s death. (ABC News: Leigh Tonkin)

The driver of the truck, a 28-year-old man, was taken to hospital for mandatory drug and alcohol testing. 

An investigation into the circumstances behind the crash is under way and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

E-bikes ‘too powerful’ for NSW roads

On Tuesday, NSW Premier Chris Minns announced the government would move to halve the maximum e-bike power output to 250 watts to limit speeds.

He described today’s incident as a “tragedy” but reiterated the changes had already been commissioned by the government in response to the surge in popularity of e-bikes across NSW, particularly amongst teenagers.

“The situation is that they’re just too powerful for New South Wales roads, too dangerous, particularly for young people,” he said.

Mr Minns urged parents considering buying their children an e-bike for Christmas to check for a EN 15194 or certification sticker, check the wattage, and ensure the model is from a reputable brand with safety documentation.

“I don’t want to put young people’s lives at risk because they’re travelling down the road on what is no longer a bike but a motorcycle,” he said.

Mr Minns acknowledged that people currently owned e-bikes that had a 500-wattage output and that the government would take “a common sense approach”.

He said the changes were unlikely to impact share e-bikes as they are generally lower powered.

The government is also reviewing the definition of an e-bike in road rules to close loopholes that allow motorcycle-level devices to be sold and ridden as though they are bicycles.

Premier Chris Minns address media in a hi-vis vest.

Chris Minns says the government will adopt a “common sense approach” to e-bike wattage changes. (ABC News)

Assistant Commissioner David Driver from the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command said NSW Police welcomed the decision.

“We support the decision of the government and the premier,” Assistant Commissioner Driver said.

“It does harmonise the legislation across Australia, particularly pertinent to those in border towns.”