Australian Cycling Forums - Bicycles Network Australia

Electric bikes to get legal boost in ACT
DateApril 11, 2013 - 8:04AM
Hamish Boland-RudderOnline reporter at canberratimes.com.au

Higher-powered electric bicycles could be allowed on Canberra’s roads and cycle paths, with an amendment set to be introduced to the Assembly on Thursday.

Attorney-General Simon Corbell is pushing to bring Canberra into line with the European standards, which would increase the power of bicycles from the current 200 watt limit to a maximum continuous power rating of 250 watts.

The change is part of a national agreement across jurisdictions to allow the import, sale and use of European-style electric bikes.

Mr Corbell said the European-style bicycles, pedelecs, allow better performance on hills and extended range on journeys, but also had additional safety and design requirements.

Riders will still be required to adhere to bicycle road rules, including wearing an approved helmet.

Pedelecs have a motor that requires riders to continue pedalling in order for the motor to be activated, with power to the motor cut once the bike reaches 25km/h.

“Canberra has the highest level of cycling in any capital city with many already choosing to get on their bike to travel to and from work or for leisure, however, the ACT Government is working hard on policies and law changes that will make it easier for people to get around our city on a bike,” Mr Corbell said.

“Electric bicycles are an increasingly popular choice for people who travel longer distances, are ageing or suffer from physical injury.

“I am hopeful that this legislation will receive the support of the Assembly, and in turn empower Canberrans to make more sustainable and cost effective transport choices.”


Read more: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-new ... z2Q6X8ok5H" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Apparently the Canberra Times thinks this is the appropriate moment to ask readers whether they think electric bikes are dangerous should be banned outright .

What real difference will changing the rules make when they are not enforced. There are quite a few 1.5 - 2 Kw Ebikes out there that never get pulled over, too much hassle. These are 50kmh constant machines, a serious commuting option, yet illegal - though unchallenged.

Cruiserman, it is convenient to think of 3 groups of people (1) those who comply with a law, (2) those who break a law in ignorance and (3) those who deliberately flout the law.

Changing the rules for e-bikes will only make a difference to people in the first group. The rules were changed because of lobbying by people who wanted to legally sell or buy bikes that were designed for use in europe, the theory being that bikes made for such a large market will be cheaper & better developed. My personal view is that the new rules, with the assistance dropping as the bike approaches 25 km/h is an excellent step forward. More people on bikes can only help our case for improved infrastructure and criding conditions and these bikes are generally used for transport rather than recreation.

You are absolutely right that changing the rules won't make any difference to people in the third group. Most of the research in this area suggests that the percieived likelyhood of getting caught is the biggest factor and as you say that is currently low, even for motor bikes that are 10 times the power.

Sadly it seems that once again we are in a situation that the law will only catch up with such persons when the risks inherent in their behaviour come to pass.

I ride Blibies fast bunch on Wednesday mornings and we were passed by this guy (ON THE INSIDE OF US) on Belco Way a few weeks back. It wasn't electric, if I recall correctly. Nonetheless, this guy knows he is breaking the law.

Edit: the pic shows a battery so it is clearly electric. It is another occasion where I have been passed by a motorised bike with a petrol motor.