The Albanese Government is supporting action by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission on improving e‑bike safety.
E‑bikes are helping more Australians get around affordably and more easily, but we need to make sure people get to enjoy those benefits safely.
That’s why the Government is cracking down on the sale of unsafe e‑bikes to protect consumers and communities.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is now taking the next steps, asking Australians what they want to see to ensure safety for everyone in the community.
We’re supporting that with $4.3 million in the most recent Budget for the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to develop new nationally consistent safety standards for e‑micromobility devices, starting with e‑bikes.
The proposed national standard would establish consistent rules across Australia for which e‑bikes can be sold.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission estimates that e‑bike injuries and fatalities cost the Australian economy at least $28 million each year.
This figure is conservative as it is only for estimated emergency department presentations and admissions. The true cost is likely to be considerably higher, given gaps in national injury and hospital data. And behind every statistic is a person, a family and a community affected.
This consultation marks the next stage of the Government’s work to ensure Australia’s product safety framework keeps pace with the rapid growth of e‑bikes and other e‑micromobility devices. It seeks views on a range of options to improve e‑bike safety, including requiring e‑bikes supplied in Australia to meet internationally recognised safety standards such as the European standard EN 15194 for e‑bikes, and limits on motor power and maximum assisted speed that are consistent with road use rules in most states and territories.
The consultation will also seek feedback on safety requirements for batteries and chargers, conversion kits, second‑hand and hire e‑bikes, and measures to prevent tampering that bypasses speed and power restrictions.
Consumers, industry and other interested stakeholders can have their say through the consultation, available on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s website. The consultation closes on 30 November 2026.
Feedback will help inform recommendations to Government on options for a nationally consistent safety framework for e‑bikes in early 2027.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury, Andrew Leigh MP
“E‑bikes are helping more Australians get around affordably and more easily, but we need to make sure people get to enjoy those benefits safely.
“E‑bike injuries and fatalities are estimated to cost the Australian economy at least $28 million a year. A serious crash can change a life in seconds.
“Our goal is simple: safer e‑bikes and fewer preventable injuries, which is why this action from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is so important.”
