Australia-wide crackdown on dangerous e-bike imports announced by federal government

A nationwide crackdown on high-powered e-bikes will soon be introduced to try to limit injuries and deaths on the vehicles.

The federal government on Thursday announced it has called on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to develop a national safety standard on electric-powered vehicles.

The standard will limit the speed and power of e-micromobility devices — e-bikes, e-scooters and e-skateboards — which are sold or imported in Australia.

It will adopt an international standard, known as EN-15194, which ensures the motor is disengaged when the bike is travelling at 25km/h and caps the motor’s output at 250 watts.

“(This is) drawing a firm line against high-powered, high-speed devices linked to serious injuries and deaths, including children,” the government said.

Assistant Competition Minister Andrew Leigh told Sunrise the standard is an “important reform” for ensuring the safety of e-bike riders and the broader community.

“E-bikes are a great addition to our transport network, reducing congestion, allowing people to enjoy the great outdoors,” Leigh said.

“But we’ve got these high-powered e-bikes that are causing accidents and even deaths on our roads. We need to crack down on those.

“This new safety standard will ensure that people can’t be riding those super-fast bikes, high-powered bikes or bikes that are easily modified.”

When pressed on the e-bikes in circulation which breach the standard, Leigh said the federal government is working with state and territory governments.

“We’re addressing both sides of the challenge,” he said.

“(We’re) making sure that when you buy a bike that it’s safe for you and everyone else, and making sure that when authorities are out there regulating who’s riding the bikes that they’ve got the same set of rules.”