E-bike Safety Concerns Rise as Christmas Approaches
Australian families face growing safety concerns as e-bikes emerge as a popular Christmas gift, with authorities highlighting the risks posed by illegal, overpowered models entering the market.
Recent data reveals the scale of the challenge. A Queensland Sunshine Coast hospital treated 176 people for e-bike related injuries between January 2023 and December 2024, averaging one case every four days according to research published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health.
The statistics underscore a troubling trend as e-bike popularity surges across Australia. In September, 17-year-old Hudson Gagg died in an e-bike accident on the Gold Coast, prompting his family to advocate for stronger regulation and safety reforms.
Recent Fatal Incidents Highlight Urgent Need for Reform
New South Wales has experienced a particularly concerning week, with two separate incidents resulting in one death and one critical injury. On Tuesday, a man in his 30s died after his e-bike collided with a garbage truck in Ultimo, inner Sydney. In a separate incident on Sydney's northern beaches, a man in his 50s remains in critical condition following a collision with a truck.
NSW Police are investigating both accidents as Queensland proceeds with a parliamentary inquiry into e-bike and e-scooter safety, scheduled to report findings in March.
Regulatory Framework and Safety Standards
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner David Driver emphasised the importance of compliance with existing regulations. "If you are considering buying an e-bike for Christmas, make sure it complies with NSW law," he stated. "Don't get pressured by your children, peers or salespeople into buying the most powerful bike."
Current NSW regulations require riders to pedal their e-bikes, with motors designed only to assist during challenging conditions such as hills or headwinds. Motors must automatically disengage when bikes reach 25 kilometres per hour.
The NSW government has recently strengthened power restrictions, implementing 250-watt limits after previously allowing 500-watt motors. This aligns with federal commitments to enforce European EN 15194 safety standards for imported e-bikes.
Market Growth and Parental Guidance
With an estimated 600,000 e-bikes currently in NSW and expectations of significant Christmas sales, Transport Minister John Graham highlighted the need for parental vigilance.
"E-bikes are fantastic for getting kids outside, active and independent but they need to be safe," Graham noted. "We're seeing devices on the market that are far too powerful, too easy to modify and too hard for parents to assess."
The minister's advice to parents centres on three key points: checking safety stickers, verifying wattage specifications, and maintaining ongoing safety conversations with young riders.
As Australia balances the benefits of sustainable transport options with public safety concerns, the e-bike debate reflects broader challenges in regulating emerging technologies while preserving individual choice and mobility.