Australia Moves to Set National E-Bike Safety Rules
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has been given approval to develop nationally consistent safety rules for e-bikes and e-micromobility devices.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Motorcycles
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Should Australia introduce nationwide safety rules limiting e-bike motor power and speed?
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has been approved to develop nationally consistent safety rules for e-bikes and e-micromobility devices, covering what can be sold. The move is part of a $4.3 million safety blitz as e-bike accidents continue to place pressure on hospitals and the economy.
Why it matters
Injuries and fatalities from e-bike accidents cost the economy at least $28 million annually, and some vehicles on Australian roads are effectively motorbikes with a battery that are causing accidents. Nationally consistent rules would give consumers and regulators across Australia a common standard for what is legal to sell and ride.
The $4.3 million safety blitz accompanies an estimated $28 million annual economic cost from e-bike injuries and fatalities. Ten illegal e-bikes were seized near Maitland, including two bicycles fitted with petrol motors, and 26 penalty notices were issued.
The players
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
The federal regulator responsible for consumer protection and competition law, now tasked with developing nationally consistent e-bike safety rules.
Andrew Leigh
An Australian federal politician and economist who announced the accident and cost figures and the commission's mandate on the e-bike safety initiative.
NSW Police
The law enforcement agency of New South Wales that carried out the joint operation seizing illegal e-bikes near Maitland.
Transport NSW
The New South Wales government agency responsible for transport policy and services, which joined police in seizing illegal e-bikes near Maitland.
The details
The commission will develop rules that place limits on motor power and maximum assisted speed, in line with European standards. It will also probe the sale of second-hand e-bikes and the converter kits that turn a standard bicycle into a motorised ride.
Timeline
Thursday: NSW Police and Transport NSW seized 10 illegal e-bikes near Maitland.
Friday: Andrew Leigh announced the accident and cost figures and the commission's mandate.
30 November: Deadline for consumer, industry and stakeholder feedback.
Motorcycles
Australia's proposed limits on motor power and assisted speed follow European standards, positioning the country's e-bike rules within an established regulatory model. The push to tackle converter kits and petrol-powered conversions reflects concern that some machines on the road now function as motorbikes fitted to bicycle frames.
Nationally consistent rules would determine which e-bikes and conversion kits can be legally sold and ridden across Australia. Buyers of second-hand e-bikes and anyone considering a converter kit may face new limits on motor power and assisted speed.
The takeaway
Before buying or converting an e-bike, check its motor power and assisted speed against the rules once they are finalised. Keep an eye on the commission's consultation process if you want your views on batteries, chargers and second-hand sales considered.
What happens next
Feedback from consumers, industry and stakeholders is due by 30 November, and it will inform the commission's recommendations on safety requirements.
Further reading
For related coverage of two-wheeled vehicles and their regulation, see Motorcycles.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Perth Now.
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Should Australia introduce nationwide safety rules limiting e-bike motor power and speed?
