Australia to develop national e-bike safety standards

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 6 Nov, 01:09 · Archive

Australia's product safety regulator will develop national safety standards for e-bikes amid growing concerns over unsafe motorised rides.

Australia's product safety regulator has been given the green light to develop nationally consistent safety rules for e-bikes and other e-micromobility devices. The move is part of a $4.3 million safety initiative and will bring Australia in line with international standards such as those in Europe, which set limits on motor power and maximum assisted speed.

Assistant Productivity Minister Andrew Leigh said a significant number of accidents related to e-bikes were being reported to hospitals, with injuries and fatalities costing the economy at least $28 million annually. He described some vehicles on Australian roads as 'effectively motorbikes with a battery', which he said were dangerous and causing accidents. The regulator will also investigate the sale of second-hand e-bikes and converter kits that turn standard bicycles into motorised rides.

Dr Leigh said it was important to establish standards that prevent bicycles purchased legally from being modified into dangerous vehicles. Bicycle Industries Australia has advocated for tougher, consistent regulations across states and territories. The action follows a joint operation by NSW Police and Transport NSW near Maitland, which seized ten illegal e-bikes including two bicycles with petrol motors, and issued 26 penalty notices.

How it is being reported

• 'Motorbikes with a battery': e-bike safety crackdownAustralia's product safety regulator will develop national safety standards for e-bikes as states continue to seize and crush illegal motorised rides.The West Australian · 6 Nov, 00:34
• 'Motorbikes with a battery': e-bike safety crackdownAustralia's product safety regulator will develop national safety standards for e-bikes as states continue to seize and crush illegal motorised rides.Perth Now · 6 Nov, 00:34

In this story: Australian Competition and Consumer Commission · Andrew Leigh · Bicycle Industries Australia · Australia · NSW Police · Transport NSW · Maitland

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