Authorities in Queensland have begun their crackdown on illegal E-bikes, starting with a warning to retailers and increased enforcement of local laws already on the books. It's a peek into the future for Victoria and New South Wales.
Illegal E-bikes and scooters are rapidly proliferating with new brands and imports, as well as retrofit kits easily purchased from overseas through Alibaba and other marketplaces. It's super popular for kids and adults alike, maybe fun and exciting, but also dangerous for both the riders and other road & path users.
Most of the same laws apply to VIC, but under Queensland law, a legal e-bike must:
1. Be predominately pedal powered.
- The motor can only provide assistance to a pedalling rider.
- Throttle control is only permitted up to 6km/h, after which the motor can only
operate if the rider is pedalling.
2. Have a motor with a maximum continuous power rating of 250 watts.
- Higher powered motors are never legal, even if limited to a lower output by
software locking, or similar.
3. Be capable of a maximum of 25km/h while the motor is operational.
Retailers of illegal ebikes are getting warned, and police are increasing their crackdown on bikes that do not meet Australian standards. Retrofit kits and speedy electric “bicycles” that exceed maximum speed regulations,bikes that do not require pedaling, under-equipped frames and parts, lack of safety equipment, dangerous riding… It’s an increasing trend and we’re starting to encounter some of these bikes (and scooters) out on the backroads of Melbourne. Both the kids AND their parents are being fined and bikes impounded while the emergency rooms fill up with injuries. Check out this letter to QLD bicycle retailers, so they are on notice. We’re expecting similar enforcement in the coming years here in Victoria. Stay tuned, developing story...
Link to QLD Dept of Transport letter to bicycle retailers
