Power-assisted bicycles are becoming an increasingly popular way for people to meet their transport needs around the world. Technological progress has resulted in significant changes in the design, quality and performance of power-assisted bicycles.

Additionally  New Zealand, Europe, Canada and the USA allow higher power output than Australia, resulting in significant technological innovation in products for these markets, making power assisted bicycles a popular, practical, cheap and low emission form of transport.

The lack of guidance in the existing regulations in Australia has created inconsistencies in the interpretation of the regulation and confusion by consumers, law enforcement agencies and the bicycle industry. Additionally, the 200 watts restriction applied to power assisted bicycles in Australia means that  Australians are denied access to the most technologically advanced power-assisted bicycles.

Australia requires urgent regulatory reform to address this issue to deal with the current uncertainties and to enable Australians access to a practical, affordable, environmentally sustainable and safe mobility option.

The Cycling community asks decision makers to adapt the New Zealand standard of 300 watts which would allow Australians access to bicycles designed for the New Zealand and European market.

Some useful facts
The peformance of power-assisted bicycles of 300 watts would be still be much lower than the power generated by a human powered bicycle rider with a medium to high fitness level (leading Australian rider Robbie McEwan generates up to 800 watts power) Research undertaken by Monash University confirms that power assisted bicycles still offer significant health benefits to riders.

A power-assisted bicycle is not meant to entirely replace human power but provide some assistance to enable a person with lower fitness level or some mobility problems to cycle.

Currently most power assisted bicycles in Australia are purchased by people 50 years and older, providing them with the freedom of independent mobiity and opportunities to be active with minimal strain on muscles and joints.

The additional power generated by power assist has the greatest benefit on the steepest slopes and the least benefit under flat conditions- thereby not presenting additional safety issues.