While new federal legislation is being introduced in regard to the importation and sale of e-Bikes, each state appears to be applying their own interpretation and implementation of the federal regulations.
This ABC article discusses some of the likely outcomes in NSW….
European safety and performance standards have been introduced from March for new e-bikes, following in the footsteps of WA.
An e-bike marked as “EN 15194” now meets the manufacturing requirements to keep it acting like a bicycle rather than a motorbike.
It means e-bikes must have a maximum power output of 250 watts, and pedal assistance has to cut out at 25km/h.
Additionally, no assistance will be provided if the rider is not pedalling at 6km/h or more.
The government says the standard also includes battery, electrical, and fire-safety requirements, as well as anti-tampering protections to prevent alteration of power or speed limits.
Federal and state governments are consolidating their plans around new rules for e-bikes.
State governments and local councils have a strategy to increase participation in walking and cycling activities – referred to by planners as “active transport”. Doing so would improve citizens’ health and air quality, reduce emissions and traffic congestion, and increase accessibility and liveability, the strategies say.