The Australian government has announced plans to implement a nationally consistent safety standard for electric bicycles and other battery-powered devices, aiming to unify regulations across states and territories. The move comes amid growing concerns over high-powered e-rides and safety risks associated with their use on public roads.

Under the new directive, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has been tasked with developing a uniform consumer law safety standard covering e-bikes, e-scooters, and e-skateboards. Until now, regulation of these devices has varied by jurisdiction, with states such as Queensland and New South Wales enforcing their own measures to address safety and illegal use.

The proposed standard is intended to ensure that all electric devices sold comply with strict safety and performance requirements. It will build on an international benchmark that limits electric bike motors to a maximum power output of 250 watts and requires motor assistance to disengage once the bike reaches 25 kilometers per hour. Authorities have emphasized that this framework is designed to prevent the circulation of high-powered and high-speed devices linked with serious injuries and fatalities.

Infrastructure Minister Catherine King described the initiative as a critical step in clamping down on unsafe and unlawful e-bike usage. She stated that the new standard would provide consumers with confidence that products available in the market meet legal and safety criteria. Assistant Minister for Productivity Andrew Leigh echoed this, highlighting that national consistency will offer clearer guidance for manufacturers, retailers, and consumers.

Leigh further noted that e-bikes represent a valuable component of Australia’s transport system, contributing to reduced traffic congestion. Speaking on the matter, he acknowledged the government’s concurrent efforts with state and territory officials to address existing e-bikes on the market that may not meet the forthcoming standards. “We’re addressing both sides of the challenge,” Leigh said.

In parallel, New South Wales has already introduced regulations from August that restrict e-bikes to 250 watts, alongside measures targeting issues related to shared e-bike programs, including illegal dumping of devices. The federal government’s move to harmonize standards aims to build on these state-level efforts, providing uniform rules nationwide to regulate the growing use of battery-powered personal transport devices.