The statement from the Infrastructure and Transport Ministers’ meeting: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/itmm-communique-21-november-2025.pdf
The same statement from WeRide on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/werideaustralia/posts/pfbid0KpgL2Xxi54XVQNk557nVm9SXCFwVvtu6VtW7GbMSDcCRkwYKh2imTuAFSRfAni65l
The statement in text:
We celebrate reinstatement of e-bike standard
In a welcome announcement celebrated by bicycle riders and the industry this afternoon, the Australian Infrastructure and Transport Ministers have announced the reinstatement of the internationally accepted standard for e-bikes.
The announcement came in the Ministerial Communique this afternoon and states,
‘Ministers agreed to work towards a regulatory framework for e-mobility devices to ensure safe and consistent supply and use of these devices in the Australian market, while still promoting mobility and innovation.’
A framework is still being developed, however in the interim, the Communique says,
‘To supplement this (new framework), and to assist importers, the Commonwealth will reinstate the EN-15194 standard and meet with relevant stakeholders to ensure the use of this standard is well understood and supported.’
We Ride Australia and Bicycle Industries Australia could not be happier that this global standard has been reinstated after it was deleted from the import framework governing e-bikes in 2021.
This announcement responds directly to the advocacy of calls from Bicycle Industries Austra, We Ride Australia and Australian bicycle organisations which has been determinant in achieving this outcome. We look forward to continuing to assist Governments at all levels as they work to establish a robust national framework to stop unsafe product reaching Australian consumers.
BIA General Manager Peter Bourke said,
“This is a sensational outcome for the Australian bicycle industry,
“EN15194 is the leading e-bike standard around the world, and its reinstatement will address the impacts of poor-quality and unsafe imports.”
WeRide’s Stephen Hodge said,
“e-bikes are booming globally,
“They provide healthy, safe and affordable mobility for the more than half of all trips each day that are less than 5km,
“The reinstatement of EN15194 means Australians will have the confidence to know the e-bikes they buy for themselves, and their children are safe and fit for purpose.”
Personally whatever the regulation is, I’d prefer it be nationally consistent. That goes for more than just this. NSW and Vic being the only places where cyclists can’t use the footpath is absurd, and they need to get with the time. Queensland allowing cars to park in a bike lane is absurd and we (and any other states that might allow it) need to get our shit together. NSW’s even more backwards restriction on escooters and PMDs also needs updating (though at least this one appears to be in the works).
I actually have my own bugbear with EN15194, and it’s the speed. I think the 20 mph (32 km/h) limit used in the US is more reasonable than 25 km/h. It’s very, very easy to get up to 30 km/h on the flat with an analogue bike, and it’s incredibly safe. I see no reason ebike users shouldn’t be allowed to do that.
Interestingly, I checked the laws in all three east coast states and all have another category separate from the main one we’re discussing. It seems mostly identical, but Vic and NSW call one “power-assisted pedal cycles”, and it has a limit of 200 W. NSW mentions that this type must have an adjustable seat and weigh no more than 50 kg, requirements that have no equivalent in the main type of ebike. The main type, called “electrically power-assisted cycles” by all three states I checked, mentions a 6 km/h “walk mode” speed limit for throttles, and Vic & Qld have a 250 W limit but no other stipulations. NSW has a 500 W limit, but also says that its power must be “progressively reduced as the bicycle’s speed increases beyond 6km/h”. Which, if enforced at point of import or sale, actually could perhaps be a good compromise; a way to get the increased power output for heavier vehicles without giving an unnecessarily high amount of power to lighter ones.