A national safety watchdog will crackdown on e-bike converter kits that turn a standard bicycle into a motorised ride, with injuries and fatalities costing the economy millions.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has been given the green light to develop nationally consistent safety rules for e-bikes and other e-micromobility devices, including what can be sold, as part of a $4.3 million safety blitz.
This would bring Australia in line with international standards, such as those in Europe, which places limits on motor power and maximum assisted speed.
Assistant Productivity Minister Andrew Leigh on Friday said a significant number of accidents were being reported to hospitals, with injuries and fatalities costing the economy at least $28 million annually.
"Australians need to be sure that what's being sold is safe," Dr Leigh said.
"Many Australians are taking advantage of e-bikes, but we're also seeing vehicles on our roads that are effectively motorbikes with a battery, which are dangerous and are causing accidents on Australian roads."
Bicycle Industries Australia, the nation's leading industry voice, has strongly advocated for tougher frameworks and regulations that are consistent across states and territories.
Dr Leigh told reporters the commission would also be probing the sale of second-hand e-bikes and the issue of converter kits, which turn a standard bicycle into a motorised ride.
"It is important that we put in place a standard that ensures that what is bought at the store isn't able to be modified so that it's dangerous to others," Dr Leigh said.
It comes as a joint operation by NSW Police and Transport NSW saw 10 illegal e-bikes - of which two were bicycles fitted with petrol motors - seized near Maitland on Thursday, with 26 penalty notices issued.
Consumers, industry and stakeholders are able to provide feedback until November 30, which will help inform recommendations on safety requirements such as batteries and chargers, conversion kits, second-hand e-bikes, and anti-tampering measures.
