Mike O'Connor
Australia is moving towards a more consistent approach to e-bike regulation, with the Federal Government asking the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to develop new mandatory standards for e-bikes, e-scooters and electric skateboards.
The proposed standards aim to prevent high-powered and potentially dangerous devices from being sold in Australia, following growing concerns over illegally modified e-bikes and rising injury rates.
Assistant Competition Minister Andrew Leigh said nationally consistent standards would provide greater clarity.
“Nationally consistent standards will provide clearer expectations for manufacturers, retailers and consumers alike,” he said.
Closing the loopholes
Australia already has rules governing what constitutes a legal e-bike, although enforcement varies between states and territories, which can lead to confusion.
Australia’s existing e-bike framework is based on the European EN 15194 standard. Under that standard, compliant e-bikes can have a maximum power output of 250W and must cut motor assistance at 25km/h.
However, regulators have struggled to prevent high-powered and modified bikes from entering the market.
The ACCC’s proposed consumer standard is designed to address those gaps by placing greater responsibility on manufacturers and retailers.
States ramp up enforcement
The Federal announcement comes as states take tougher action against illegal e-bikes.
Queensland police have seized hundreds of illegal bikes and issued hundreds of infringement notices, while NSW has introduced powers allowing police and transport officers to seize non-compliant e-bikes.
South Australia is also considering tougher rules following an incident in Adelaide earlier this month involving six teenagers allegedly riding illegally modified e-bikes.
Police examined the six e-bikes and found they had all been illegally modified, resulting in them being classified as motorcycles under South Australian legislation. The e-bikes were impounded for 28 days.
The incidents have prompted calls for a minimum riding age of 16, stronger enforcement and greater police powers.
RAA Senior Manager Road Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain said the organisation supported e-bikes as a transport option but wanted stronger safety measures.
“As more people take them up, it’s important we get the safety settings right before poor behaviours become entrenched,” Mountain said.
The RAA is calling for targeted police operations covering speeding, helmet use and underage riding, as well as drug and alcohol testing powers for e-bike riders.
Rising injuries
The push for tighter regulation comes amid increasing e-bike and e-scooter use and rising injury numbers.
NSW recorded 226 e-bike-related injuries in 2024, followed by 233 in the first seven months of 2025, including four deaths.
Queensland recorded more than 6000 emergency department presentations linked to e-mobility devices between 2022 and 2025.
Harold Scruby, chief executive of the Pedestrian Council of Australia, welcomed the Federal Government’s move but described it as overdue.
“Technology is always 10 years ahead of the law … (but) we saw it coming,” he said.
The ACCC has begun work on the new standard, with further details expected following consultation with industry and state regulators.
It’s worth noting that for riders using conventional, compliant pedal-assist e-bikes, the changes are unlikely to significantly alter how they ride. The focus is instead on preventing non-compliant bikes from being sold and tackling high-powered devices that fall outside the legal definition of an e-bike.
Mike O’Connor – A keen cyclist, runner and photographer, Mike O’Connor is the Editor of Bicycling Australia. He manages the BA website and social media, and loves promoting the achievements of Australian cyclists.
