Australian governments are considering mandatory product standards under the Australian Consumer Law for e-bikes, which would ban the sale of non-compliant devices.
The real problem that’s not being explicitly talked about here is unregistered electric motorbikes being sold (often to children) as “ebikes”. Vehicles that don’t have pedals, or have only vestigial pedals, and are reaching speeds well over 25 km/h (often fast enough to keep up with cars in traffic) without any pedalling. Morrison’s Government changed the rules to allow importing of these electric motorbikes, and there have been multiple deaths in SEQ over the past few months as a result. The change to ban the import and sale of these vehicles is absolutely a good one. Even if you think, as I do, that EN15194 is a bit too strict.
Also, as much as I am a vocal supporter of !fuckcars@lemmy.world and related movements, it’s not exactly the same comparison. Ebikes can be ridden on bike paths, shared paths, and (except in 2 states) footpaths with pedestrians. They require zero licensing, and are often ridden by children. Quite different from driving a car, on roads (where a speed limit does apply), after qualifying for a driver’s licence.
You can still go over 25. It just means the motor cuts out when you hit that speed. It’s still a frickin’ bike, you can still absolutely go over 25, just have to haul your arse yourself.
FFS…300km/hr from a car, no proeblms, 25 km/hr o a pushie, literally armageddon
The real problem that’s not being explicitly talked about here is unregistered electric motorbikes being sold (often to children) as “ebikes”. Vehicles that don’t have pedals, or have only vestigial pedals, and are reaching speeds well over 25 km/h (often fast enough to keep up with cars in traffic) without any pedalling. Morrison’s Government changed the rules to allow importing of these electric motorbikes, and there have been multiple deaths in SEQ over the past few months as a result. The change to ban the import and sale of these vehicles is absolutely a good one. Even if you think, as I do, that EN15194 is a bit too strict.
Also, as much as I am a vocal supporter of !fuckcars@lemmy.world and related movements, it’s not exactly the same comparison. Ebikes can be ridden on bike paths, shared paths, and (except in 2 states) footpaths with pedestrians. They require zero licensing, and are often ridden by children. Quite different from driving a car, on roads (where a speed limit does apply), after qualifying for a driver’s licence.
With a motorcycle licensed rider and ADR compliance, sure. But not kids on toys.
You can still go over 25. It just means the motor cuts out when you hit that speed. It’s still a frickin’ bike, you can still absolutely go over 25, just have to haul your arse yourself.