Calls for tougher import rules amid surge in dangerous e-bikes
LifeCycle Bikes in Margaret River, 270 kilometres south of Perth, has reported a surge in e-bike interest, with electric bikes making up at least a quarter of sales.
But assistant manager Karl Stade said the interest had been accompanied by a spike in dangerous and illegal e-bike and e-motorbike modifications.
A compliant e-rideable in WA has a maximum speed of 25 kilometres per hour, weighs 25 kilograms, and has a motor that does not exceed 250 watts.
But Mr Stade said some modification kits allowed speeds of up to 100kph.
"In our area, the kits are really popular — we're looking at a $50 bike from the tip with totally inadequate components on it with a high-powered motor," Mr Stade said.
"Generally, we're happy to work on any legal bike that comes into the store.
"But we're seeing people with full-blown electric motorbikes coming in with a throttle and high-powered motor, and we're not allowed to work on them.
The concern also extends to the importation of illegal e-rideables, a worry echoed by WA's peak cycling body WestCycle.
Chief executive Wayne Bradshaw said the Australian market was flooded with illegal devices capable of high speeds, and there was a lack of awareness about the rules.
"Right now, I could go online and purchase an e-scooter that goes 105kph and it promotes itself as, 'Say goodbye to traffic jams,'" Mr Bradshaw said.
"The reality is you're not allowed to use these devices on the road, so it's about stopping them from coming into Australia in the first place.
"There's a big push across all states … lobbying heavily to change the importation rules to prohibiting these devices."
WA's parliamentary inquiry begins today and is scheduled to hear from representatives from several organisations, including the State Trauma Service, WA Police, the Road Safety Commission and WestCycle.
Issues around electric dirt bikes will also be included, following the death of a 59-year-old woman allegedly struck by an electric motorbike at a suburban Perth park.
Despite issues with illegal e-rideables and modifications, Mr Stade said it was great to see increasing interest in e-bikes.
"Because now we're seeing people riding bikes that haven't before," he said.
"An alternative to a teenager's first car, people who are commuting to work, young families looking for a cheaper alternative, retired people who are moving to the South West.
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