Unroadworthy and unsafe motorbikes masquerading as e-bikes have become a massive problem for Australian communities and governments.
Following concerns that a spate of deadly crashes have been caused by non-compliant electric powered machines, Australian bicycle sector organisations have today asked the Treasurer and the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport to stop the flow of illegal and dangerous electric powered bikes being imported into Australia.
The bicycle sector has asked the Government to:
- address the serious safety issues related to non-compliant e-bikes imported into this country, and
- ensure e-bikes sold and used in this country are fit-for-purpose and safe in terms of accepted international safety standards and speed capability.
In 2021, the federal Government amended the Motor Vehicles Standards Act to remove e-bikes as a class of road vehicle and consequently, the need to meet appropriate safety standards on import.
The amendment has had a significant impact on road and battery safety as use of poor quality, non-road legal e-bikes (or unroadworthy ‘motorbikes’) and e-scooters has boomed.
Australian bicycle organisations are seeking a reinstatement of e-bikes under the Act and the application of appropriate standards-based e-bike import controls that were in place prior to 2021. We are also seeking clear guidelines for use under the National Roads Regulations.
Our call joins the efforts of state and territory governments who are grappling not only with a flood of unsafe imports but control on the use of these machines in local communities and fire risks from sub-standard batteries.
Bicycle Industries Australia’s Peter Bourke noted there is a lot at stake.
“The booming e-bike market is having a hugely positive impact and changing lives in our communities,” Bourke said.
“Safe and legal ebikes are giving people a great option to do their short trips in a healthy, affordable and active way. But we have serious concerns for road and pedestrian safety due to overpowered, un-regulated motors and the poor quality of the bicycles themselves that have been imported and are often ridden by vulnerable, young people.”
Key points
The Australian bicycle sector has called for:
- The 2021 amendment to the Motor Vehicle Standards Act to be rolled back to bring e-bikes under the definition of a road vehicle
- A standards-based approach to be applied to all e-bikes imported into Australia, and
- Federal leadership to achieve consistent definitions of an e-bike across all states and territories.
- The Australian bicycle sector organisations co-signing this joint letter are Bicycle Industries Australia, WestCycle, Bicycle Network, Bicycle NSW, Bicycle QLD, Bike SA, Pedal Power (ACT) and We Ride Australia.
More information
- Link to the letter to the Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
- Bicycle Industries Australia (BIA) has made several submissions to State Inquiries into e-bikes which can be viewed here: https://www.bikeoz.org/ebikesubmissions
Media Contacts
- Peter Bourke, General Manager, BIA. [email protected], 0438 871 271
- Stephen Hodge, Director – Nat. Advocacy, WeRide, [email protected], 0411 149 910
- Shane Starling, Communications Manager, WestCycle. [email protected], 0492 897 199
