E-bike safety courses for kids’ and teens
Course Snapshot
10-16
Ages
3 hrs
Duration
$50
Price
Theory + Quiz
Format
Certificate
Ends with
E-bike safety courses for kids and teens
E-bikes give young people freedom, fitness and an easy ride to school. But they're heavier and faster than a normal bike, and most kids have never been taught the rules or how to handle one in traffic. Our 3-hour course gives riders aged 10–16 the road rules, bike knowledge and safe-riding habits that keep them — and everyone around them — safe. It's classroom-based, so no bike is needed, and every participant receives a Cycle Tours NSW E-Bike Safety Certificate.
Why e-bike safety training matters now
E-bike numbers in NSW have grown fast — an estimated 760,000 across the state — and so have injuries, with 233 e-bike injuries recorded in the first seven months of 2025 alone.
NSW is introducing tighter rules: e-bikes must meet the European standard (250 watts, assistance cutting out at 25 km/h), and a minimum riding age is on the way.
Parents, schools and councils across the Illawarra are asking the same question: who's actually teaching kids to ride these things? We are.
What students learn.
1. Know your bike
How e-bikes work: pedal assist, throttles, power and speed limits
What makes an e-bike legal in NSW — and how to spot an illegal one
Brakes, tyres, battery and the pre-ride ABC check (Air, Brakes, Chain)
Helmet fit and visibility gear
2. Know the rules
NSW road rules for bicycles and e-bikes
Footpaths, shared paths and cycleways: where you can ride and who has priority
Why carrying passengers is dangerous (and what the law says)
Riding near pedestrians, dogs, prams and older people
3. Safe riding skills: what good looks like
Controlling a heavy bike at low speed
Braking distances with extra weight and speed
Scanning, shoulder checks and signalling
Cornering, gravel and wet surfaces
Driveways, intersections and roundabouts
Riding in a group without causing chaos
4. Ride smart
Being seen and predictable in traffic
Respecting others: the reputation of young riders depends on every rider
What to do after a fall or crash
Battery charging and storage safety at home
5. Quiz and certificate
A short quiz at the end of the session checks understanding of the road rules and safe-riding principles
Students who complete the course and quiz receive a Cycle Tours NSW E-Bike Safety Certificate
Courses run in a classroom or hall at your school, or at a council venue for public school-holiday sessions.
Our approach.
For schools: a simple e-bike policy you can stand behind
Many schools are working out what to do about students riding e-bikes to school. Our program gives you a clear, defensible answer: students who ride an e-bike to school complete an approved safety course first.
We deliver on site, during school hours, with minimal disruption
A template letter and permission note for parents
A register of certified students for your office
Optional follow-up session each year for new riders
For parents.
Bought your child an e-bike, or about to? Our school holiday and weekend courses give them the knowledge and safe-riding habits they need before they head out on their own.
You'll also get a short parent guide covering what to look for when buying a compliant e-bike, safe charging at home, and family riding rules.
Who teaches the course?
Every session is run by John Armstrong. John has coached riders from complete beginners to elite athletes, developed coaches and young athletes as CEO of the Illawarra Academy of Sport, directed cycling races and advocated for safe cycling across the region.
John's accreditations: AusCycling coaching level, coach developer accreditation, race director accreditation. Current Working With Children Check, first aid certificate and public liability insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is the course for? Ages 10 to 16. Content is adjusted for primary and high school groups. Once NSW sets a minimum e-bike riding age, we'll align our age groups with it.
Is the certificate a licence? No. There's currently no e-bike licence in NSW for compliant e-bikes. Our certificate shows a student has completed recognised safety training and understands the road rules and core safe-riding principles — which is what many schools and parents are looking for.
Does my child need to bring an e-bike? No. The course is classroom-based theory, so no bike is needed. It suits kids who already ride an e-bike and those about to get one.
How do I know if my child's e-bike is legal? The course shows students and parents what to check: a compliant e-bike has a motor of no more than 250 watts, stops assisting at 25 km/h, and gives no assistance above 6 km/h unless the rider is pedalling. Unsure? Send us the make and model and we'll help.
What should students bring? A pen, water and a snack. [Optional: their helmet, for the helmet-fit segment.]
Where is the course held? In a classroom or hall at your school, or a council venue for public sessions — so it runs rain or shine.
Do you run courses outside Shellharbour? Yes — across Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and the Shoalhaven, and in the Southern Highlands by arrangement.