e-bike legislation “will disadvantage some people who currently use these devices and are unable to drive”

e-bike legislation “will disadvantage some people who currently use these devices and are unable to drive”

e-bike legislation “will disadvantage some people who currently use these devices and are unable to drive”

The government’s proposed new e-bike legislation has caused wide dismay when it became apparent that draconian restrictions will be imposed on all e-bikes. Trikes, recumbents, unicycles and anything else with a motor will no longer be legal if it does not comply with the European standard. A drivers licence or learners permit will be required to operate an e-bike. Speed will be limited to 10km/h on paths. Those under 16 will be unable to use them altogether.

According to the ABC: While introducing the Transport and Other Legislation (Managing E-mobility Use and Protecting Our Communities) Amendment Bill 2026 in March 2026, Transport Minister Mickelberg stated:

  • “I will acknowledge that this will disadvantage some people who currently use these devices and are unable to drive”.
  • He added that he was prepared to make “hard decisions” and that he was “not afraid of making decisions that may not be universally popular if they address the core of community safety concerns”. 

The new laws have been criticized for potentially restricting access for people with disabilities, seniors without licences, and individuals who are medically unfit to drive but still capable of riding a legal, pedal-assist e-bike.

Here’s something the government missed, this was never about e-bikes. Laws already exist to deal with the issue of teens and illegal behaviour. The police stated clearly in the inquiry that 80 percent of suspected offenders did not engage with police. In plain language, the police cannot catch them. That would be the problem right there. It does not appear this fundamental issue is in anyway addressed in the legislation.

The question arises, if the police cannot catch them now, how will they catch them after the laws change? Never mind the collateral damage to those using currently legal devices lawfully that will occur following the introduction of a slew of unnecessary legislation.

This is a great question and the minister really needs to address this urgently.

Meanwhile those with any sort of currently legal pedal assist machine including cargo bikes, recumbents, trikes and so on will be unable to use them as they will become illegal under the proposal if they do not comply with the European standard which is intended for pedal assist bicycles. Likewise those under 16 or do not have a drivers license cannot use them at all.

What can be done about this situation?

You have until 10am on Friday 10 April to make a submission on these new laws. Here are some links for e-mails responding to the legislation:

Now is the time to make your voice heard to ensure that no-one is worse off after the introduction of this legislation.

Spread the word:
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