Key Takeaways
- E-bikes have become increasingly popular among young people in south-east Queensland, but a growing number of accidents and fatalities have raised concerns about safety and compliance.
- Parents are being urged to ensure they know the rules and regulations surrounding e-bikes before buying one for their children.
- The Australian government is working towards a regulatory framework for e-mobility devices, including a stricter national standard for compliant bikes.
- Many states and territories have no minimum age limit for riding a power-assisted pedal cycle or electrically power-assisted cycle, while others require riders to be at least 16 years old.
- Buyers should look out for the EN-15194 compliance sticker on an e-bike before purchasing it, and consider buying from local, reputable bike stores.
Introduction to E-Bikes and Safety Concerns
The humble pushbike has been replaced by a sleek, swift successor — the e-bike — in many school yards across south-east Queensland. However, with a growing number of young people being killed or injured in incidents involving electric mobility devices, parents are being urged to ensure they know the rules before buying one. Rod Camm, the chief executive of Queensland’s Motor Trades Association, has expressed concerns about non-compliant e-bikes being sold to children, highlighting the potential dangers and risks associated with these devices.
Regulatory Framework and Compliance
Last month, the country’s transport ministers agreed to work towards a regulatory framework for e-mobility devices to ensure safe and consistent supply and use of these devices in the Australian market. The Australian government has announced that it will reinstate a stricter national standard – the European EN-15194 – which requires compliant bikes to cut off the motor at 25 kilometres per hour, have a 250-watt limit on power, and must not be throttle assisted. The federal government has also urged buyers to look out for the EN-15194 compliance sticker on an e-bike before purchasing it.
E-Bike Legislation and Age Limits
Many states and territories have no minimum age limit for riding a power-assisted pedal cycle or electrically power-assisted cycle, while others require riders to be at least 16 years old. In Queensland, the state government is holding a separate parliamentary inquiry into e-mobility devices, which will conclude next year. Bicycle Queensland CEO Matthew Burke has called for measures that hold importers to account, including mandatory reporting to ensure that the vehicles they import meet the standards and are legal e-bikes.
Safety Precautions and Buying Tips
Matthew Burke has warned parents against buying conversion kits, which are motors that can be fitted to pre-owned bikes, as they can allow children to reach high speeds under throttle. He has also advised parents to buy from local, reputable bike stores, where good retailers can tell them exactly what is legal and what they should be looking for. Samantha Willis, co-owner of Electric Bikes Brisbane, has highlighted the importance of knowing the difference between a legal e-bike and a non-compliant motorbike, and has encouraged parents to make informed choices when buying an e-bike for their children.
Confusion Around E-Bikes and Motorised Machines
There is a growing concern about the confusion surrounding what constitutes an e-bike, with many people using the term generically to describe any type of electric bike or motorised machine. Samantha Willis has emphasized the importance of understanding the distinction between a legal e-bike and a non-compliant motorbike, and has encouraged parents to make informed choices when buying an e-bike for their children. By knowing the rules and regulations surrounding e-bikes, parents can help ensure a safer Christmas for their children and reduce the risk of accidents and fatalities.