Assistant Productivity Minister Andrew Leigh announced a consultation on national e-bike standards, Treasury said in a statement, as authorities seek to prevent modifications that turn bicycles into dangerous vehicles. The public feedback period closes on 30 November.
Hospital data shows e-bike accidents generating injuries and deaths, with the economic cost put at a minimum of $28 million each year, AAP reported. A joint NSW Police and Transport NSW operation seized 10 illegal e-bikes near Maitland, including two bicycles fitted with petrol motors, and issued 26 penalty notices.
The consultation will examine second-hand e-bikes and converter kits that transform ordinary bicycles into motorised ones. Leigh said the goal is to ensure any standard introduced prevents products purchased at a store from being modified in ways that endanger others. He said some road-going e-bikes are essentially battery-powered motorbikes that pose a danger and have caused accidents.
Bicycle Industries Australia, the leading industry body for the sector, has advocated for stricter rules applied consistently across states and territories. The consultation process will gather input from consumers, industry and other stakeholders to inform recommendations on e-bike safety.
Australians who own e-bikes or are considering purchasing one may be affected by any new national standards that emerge from the consultation, including rules around conversion kits and anti-tampering measures. People who buy or sell second-hand e-bikes, or use converter kits to motorise standard bicycles, are among those whose practices are being reviewed.
Official statements: Treasury
Reporting: AAP
Written by Pick & Scroll News from the reporting and documents linked above.
