WestCycle advised the WA Parliament to tighten safety and import standards for e-bikes while protecting riders from unfair regulation, in its latest submission to the state inquiry into eRideables.
We also warned that confusing terminology – such as labelling high-powered electric motorcycles as ‘e-bikes’ – risks undermining public understanding and unfairly linking legal e-bike users with dangerous behaviour. WestCycle wants the inquiry to ensure government communications use accurate terms.
WestCycle’s submisison highlighted the everyday benefits of e-bikes, from commuting and food delivery to helping older riders and people with injuries stay mobile. Case studies from its members showcased e-bikes as a practical and inclusive form of transport.
Key recommendations in our submission included:
- Safer streets | reducing local street speeds to 40 km/h or below to cut crash severity and encourage more walking and cycling.
- Stronger import controls | harmonising WA regulations with national and European standards to keep unsafe products out of the market.
- No licensing or registration | arguing that compliant e-bikes perform like pedal bicycles and should remain exempt.
- Clearer labelling and retailer obligations | requiring sales staff to explain legal limits and ensure only compliant devices are marketed as e-bikes.
WestCycle hopes the government will continue to support e-bike share schemes, maintain public transport access for riders, and adopt stronger battery safety standards rather than blanket bans, noting that most lithium-ion battery fires involve cheap or modified devices.
“E-bikes are already transforming how people move around our cities,” WestCycle argued. “With the right regulations, they can deliver safer, healthier and more sustainable transport for Western Australians.”
WestCycle’s full e-bike submission to the Inquiry can be found here.
WestCycle has also made a separate submission concerning eRideables.
The WA Parliament’s Inquiry page containing all submissions and footage lives here.
