With e-bikes replacing traditional pushbikes in school yards across south-east Queensland, authorities are warning parents to understand the regulations before purchasing one for their children this Christmas. The concern follows a rise in injuries and fatalities involving electric mobility devices among young people.
Rod Camm, chief executive of Queensland's Motor Trades Association, expressed alarm over non-compliant e-bikes potentially ending up on footpaths. “There will be lots of pressure on parents and I'm desperately worried about this,” he said. Police have already been issuing fines and seizing illegal bikes.
Federal Transport Minister Catherine King emphasized the need for clear rules, stating, “Good, clear rules around e-bikes are critical to ensuring Australians are safe on the road.” The government plans to table an update on a regulatory framework early next year and reinstate the stricter European EN-15194 standard.
Under these standards, compliant e-bikes must cut motor power at 25 km/h, have a 250-watt limit, and not be throttle-assisted. Bikes outside these parameters are only for private rural use. Buyers are advised to look for the EN-15194 compliance sticker.
Bicycle Queensland CEO Matthew Burke called for measures to hold importers accountable, noting that many products sold online are only legal on private property. He also warned against conversion kits that can allow speeds of 50-60 km/h under throttle. “A good retailer will be able to tell you exactly what is legal,” he said.
Samantha Willis, co-owner of Electric Bikes Brisbane, highlighted confusion over the term “e-bike.” “At an absolute simple level, it is a bicycle; the motor doesn't work unless you pedal,” she said. She urged parents to distinguish between legal e-bikes and non-compliant motorbikes to ensure a safer Christmas.
