Tasmanian E-Bike Fatality Prompts Review of Laws and National Standards
Introduction
A 15-year-old male died in an e-bike crash on New Year's Eve in Tasmania. This tragic incident has initiated scrutiny of existing Tasmanian legislation regarding electric bicycles, amidst ongoing discussions about the definition and regulation of e-bikes. Authorities believe this marks the first fatality in Tasmania directly involving an electric bicycle. Previously, multiple deaths and injuries related to e-bike riders and pedestrians have occurred on mainland Australia.
Investigation and Local Regulations
Tasmania Police are investigating the circumstances of the crash, including whether the deceased was wearing a helmet, one of which was located at the scene. The investigation also seeks to determine if the device involved met the legal definition of an e-bike under current regulations.
Inspector Nick Clark stated on New Year's Day that existing laws pertaining to e-bike usage apply to Tasmanians. In Tasmania, no age limit is imposed on e-bike riders.
However, e-bikes must be pedal-assisted, with motor power not exceeding 200 watts for power-assisted pedal cycles, or 250 watts with pedal assist that disengages at 25 km/h. Age limits are in place for personal mobility devices such as e-scooters and e-skateboards, introduced under 2021 legislation.
The Tasmanian Department of State Growth confirms that e-bikes meeting these specifications do not require registration, and riders do not need a license. Road rules for bicycles apply to these compliant e-bikes. E-bikes that do not meet these specifications are prohibited from use on public roads.
National Regulatory Landscape and Definitions
Governments across Australia have enacted specific laws governing e-bike speed, rider eligibility, and areas of use. In November, the federal government announced impending changes to standardize the types of devices allowed for import into Australia and sold as e-bikes. This aims to provide clarity to consumers and ensure compliance for importers and operators. Non-compliant devices may still be imported but cannot be sold as e-bikes in Australia.
Industry bodies have highlighted a distinction between legal e-bikes and other powered two-wheeled vehicles. Peter Bourke, General Manager of Bicycle Industries Australia (BIA), stated:
Many incidents attributed to e-bikes involve unroadworthy, unlicensed riders on unregistered motorbikes.
Alison Hetherington, a spokesperson for Bicycle Network Tasmania, advocates for maintaining the 25 km/h speed assistance limit for e-bikes due to shared cycling infrastructure and supports consistent legislation and import controls nationally.
Calls for Consistency
The BIA has advocated for federal standardization since 2022, citing varied state-level responses to regulatory challenges.
Tasmanian Health Minister Bridget Archer noted the increasing popularity of both e-bikes and e-scooters, emphasizing the need for monitoring.
Tasmanian Transport Minister Kerry Vincent indicated ongoing collaboration with other jurisdictions to establish a nationally consistent approach to e-bike regulations, with discussions expected to continue into 2026, informed by a state government review.