BQ celebrates the Commonwealth’s reinstatement of e-bike standards 

Bicycle Queensland is celebrating a much-needed announcement from the Australian Government that they will reinstate the internationally recognised EN-15194 standard for e-bikes. The decision was confirmed on Friday November 21 in a Ministerial Communique, which confirmed that: 
“… the Commonwealth will reinstate the EN-15194 standard and meet with relevant stakeholders to ensure the use of this standard is well understood and supported.” 

The reinstatement follows advocacy from national and state bicycle organisations, after the standard was removed from the import rules by the Morrison Government in 2021.  

Our colleagues, the Bicycle Industries Australia (BIA) and We Ride Australia, have welcomed the announcement, describing it as an essential move to protect consumers and restore clarity to the market. 

 BIA General Manager Peter Bourke said the decision is a “sensational outcome for the Australian bicycle industry,” adding that EN-15194 is the world’s leading e-bike standard and critical to addressing the influx of poor-quality and unsafe imports.” 

 We Ride Australia’s Stephen Hodge said the move will boost consumer confidence at a time when e-bikes are booming: 
“The reinstatement of EN15194 means Australians will have the confidence to know the e-bikes they buy for themselves, and their children, are safe and fit for purpose.” 

A turning point after 12 months of advocacy from Bicycle Queensland 

Bicycle Queensland CEO Professor Matthew Burke said the announcement is a direct result of sustained advocacy from our organisation, the RACQ, Queensland Walks and other concerned groups. 

“This is a crucial turning point,” Prof Burke said. “For the past twelve months, Bicycle Queensland has been calling for the reinstatement of EN-15194 to help restrict the importation and sale of illegal e-motorbikes and non-compliant e-bikes. The best way to keep these dangerous vehicles off Queensland’s streets, paths and parks, is to not let them into Australia in the first place.”

At this point, the changes mean that importations must meet the EN-15194 standard, but it isn’t yet sure that the effective controls of the past, requiring importers declare their product is is indeed a legal e-bike, will also be brought back. Prof Burke said: 

“We want importers to have to declare their products are compliant with the safe standard. It helped previously to keep illegal vehicles out. Let’s bring it back.”  

“Buyers must still be aware of what the Australian standards are. These are listed on the BQ site and on the Queensland Government’s Street Smarts website.” 

BQ wholeheartedly supports the use of legal e-bikes that meet Australian standards. We continue to encourage parents this Christmas to make an informed decision and to avoid buying an e-motorbike that is not street-legal, can’t be insured, and that is high-risk. There are so many great road bike, mountain bike and legal e-bike options out there, no-one needs to buy an illegal vehicle.  

Stuck on choosing a bike? Visit one of our BQ Link retail partners for advice.