Brisbane

Queensland's Parliament is currently considering a bill which would effectively ban ebikes. They would be unable to go more than 10 km/h on footpaths and shared paths, which make up over 90% of the so-called "bike paths" in Brisbane. It will also force you to have a driver's licence to ride an ebike, ban under-16s from riding them at all, and increase the penalty for riding without a helmet for both ebikes and analogue bikes.

There's also the niche fact that it will require ebikes be compliant with the EN 15194:2017+A1:2023 standard, instead of just the basic EN 15194 standard. This is a specific niche change that means all older ebikes and even most currently-sold ebikes will be non-compliant with the technicalities of the law, even though they fit within the basic premise of being: (a) pedal assist, (b) 250 W maximum, and (c) incapable of going more than 25 km/h with motor assistance. One of the cycling advocates in Brisbane went to a local major bike store and checked their inventory. They only sold one model that complied with this new standard. And it was a child's bike, and thus de facto illegal under these laws regardless, since children cannot ride ebikes.

Next week, Aldi's specials will include a folding ebike. It will almost certainly not be compliant with the 2023 standard.

The details of the bill and the committee can be found here: https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-Committees/Committees/Committee-Details?cid=272&id=8575

Or you can contact the committee directly here: SDIWC@parliament.qld.gov.au

Submissions to the committee close at 10 am this coming Friday . So get them in by Thursday evening!

Greens MP Michael Berkman has created an easy-to-use form to help with making a submission: https://www.michaelberkman.com.au/emobility