The federal government has announced a nationwide crackdown on high-powered e-bikes, calling on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to develop a national safety standard for electric-powered vehicles. The standard aims to limit injuries and deaths associated with these devices.
New Limits on Speed and Power
The standard will adopt the international EN-15194 standard, which requires the motor to disengage when the bike reaches 25km/h and caps motor output at 250 watts. This applies to all e-micromobility devices sold or imported in Australia, including e-bikes, e-scooters and e-skateboards.
The government stated this "draws a firm line against high-powered, high-speed devices linked to serious injuries and deaths, including children."
Government Response
Assistant Competition Minister Andrew Leigh described the standard as an "important reform" for ensuring the safety of riders and the community. He noted that while e-bikes are a positive addition to transport networks, high-powered versions are causing accidents and deaths.
"This new safety standard will ensure that people can't be riding those super-fast bikes, high-powered bikes or bikes that are easily modified," Leigh said.
Enforcement and Cooperation
Leigh confirmed the federal government is working with state and territory governments to address both the supply and use of non-compliant bikes. "We're making sure that when you buy a bike that it's safe for you and everyone else, and making sure that when authorities are out there regulating who's riding the bikes that they've got the same set of rules," he said.
