Queensland’s Parliament is currently considering a bill which would effectively ban ebikes. They would be unable to go more than 10 km/h on footpaths and shared paths, which make up over 90% of the so-called “bike paths” in Brisbane. It will also force you to have a driver’s licence to ride an ebike, ban under-16s from riding them at all, and increase the penalty for riding without a helmet for both ebikes and analogue bikes.
There’s also the niche fact that it will require ebikes be compliant with the EN 15194:2017+A1:2023 standard, instead of just the basic EN 15194 standard. This is a specific niche change that means all older ebikes and even most currently-sold ebikes will be non-compliant with the technicalities of the law, even though they fit within the basic premise of being: (a) pedal assist, (b) 250 W maximum, and © incapable of going more than 25 km/h with motor assistance. One of the cycling advocates in Brisbane went to a local major bike store and checked their inventory. They only sold one model that complied with this new standard. And it was a child’s bike, and thus de facto illegal under these laws regardless, since children cannot ride ebikes.
Next week, Aldi’s specials will include a folding ebike. It will almost certainly not be compliant with the 2023 standard.
The details of the bill and the committee can be found here: https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-Committees/Committees/Committee-Details?cid=272&id=8575
Or you can contact the committee directly here: SDIWC@parliament.qld.gov.au
Submissions to the committee close at 10 am this coming Friday . So get them in by Thursday evening!
Greens MP Michael Berkman has created an easy-to-use form to help with making a submission: https://www.michaelberkman.com.au/emobility
Queensland’s Parliament is currently considering a bill which would effectively ban ebikes. They would be unable to go more than 10 km/h on footpaths and shared paths, which make up over 90% of the so-called “bike paths” in Brisbane. It will also force you to have a driver’s licence to ride an ebike, ban under-16s from riding them at all, and increase the penalty for riding without a helmet for both ebikes and analogue bikes.
Other than possibly the last one, that’s all pure idiocy likely written by pro-car lobbyists to discourage improving the lives of regular people by allowing alternative transportation choices 🤦🏻😡
There’s also the niche fact that it will require ebikes be compliant with the EN 15194:2017+A1:2023 standard, instead of just the basic EN 15194 standard. This is a specific niche change that means all older ebikes and even most currently-sold ebikes will be non-compliant with the technicalities of the law, even though they fit within the basic premise of being: (a) pedal assist, (b) 250 W maximum, and © incapable of going more than 25 km/h with motor assistance. One of the cycling advocates in Brisbane went to a local major bike store and checked their inventory. They only sold one model that complied with this new standard. And it was a child’s bike, and thus de facto illegal under these laws regardless, since children cannot ride ebikes.
ALSO absolute idiocy/nakedly transparent corruption 😡
I would argue that a battery powered bike is closer to a dirt-bike/motorcycle/mini-bike and should probably be looked at the same as those. I would not expect someone to be riding any of those modes of transport on a “walking path” either. And all 3 of those have current battery powered versions that do not change the rules around where you are expected to ride them, or even who can ride them.
I think bike manufacturers have made it this far because unfortunately the law makers in most countries are older, and slower to respond to regulating new technology until it becomes an issue “for the masses” (aka effects their votes). And I know the business side tells these companies to make as much money as fast as possible, but in cases like this, having some sort of internal group looking at regulation as an eventuality instead of a “we’ll cross that bridge when we get there” should be something required. Because I think we all knew this day was coming in most countries once these bikes (and also the scooters) starting showing up more widely, and being proactive instead of reactive would do a lot to help themselves, as well as the customer base they have now put in a bad spot.
Mate, i converted a malvern star. It is not a motorbike. You can tell by the fact i have to pedal it about.
I would argue that a battery powered bike is closer to a dirt-bike/motorcycle/mini-bike and should probably be looked at the same as those.
I don’t really know if I’d consider this
A motorcycle.
Gotta love Qld, Australia’s most Authoritative state
Authoritative
I do not think that word means what you think it means.
I have it on good authority that they do. =)
Ever been to Victoria?
Heaps of my Vic mates left for Qld and are now complaining about Qld rules.
