And end to the flood of dodgy electric mopeds into Australia?
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-27/ebike-regulation-changes-to-halt-overpowered-bikes/106050674
One thing the article fails to mention is that in Europe there are actually two standards for e-bikes, "pedelec" and "s-pedelec".
Pedelec is the standard mentioned in the article, i.e. 250W maximum power, no assist above 25 km/h, pedal activated assist only (no throttle for motor only riding). In return for these restrictions they are regulated like a non-electric bicycle.
S-pedelec have more powerful motors that can operate up to 45 km/h, and are consequently and quite correctly classed and regulated as motor vehicles, specifically mopeds. Riders must be at least 16, be licensed, and have insurance.
The dodgy electric mopeds used by food delivery riders and teenagers would be in the s-pedelec category except that Australia has no standards to regulate such vehicles, so they've been able to avoid any design, quality and safety standards, as well as licensing and insurance requirements.
This being Australia the proposed solution is of course to outright ban them, whereas what they should do is regulate them in a similar way to European countries.
#Cycling #Ebike #Pedelec #SPedelec