Legally allowable e-bike motor power could be increased in Tasmania, following a commitment from Minister for Infrastructure Michael Ferguson to consider motors up to 500 watts.
The comments came during parliamentary debate on the Vehicle and Traffic (Regulatory Reforms) Amendment Bill 2023 (No 7).
The bill primarily outlaws petrol-powered bicycles, but includes a change which allows the government to define an e-bike via regulation, rather than the Act.
“I’m pleased that this bill effectively future proofs our ability to respond to advancements in e-bike technology,” Mr Ferguson said.
“E-bikes are increasing in popularity and just last week I announced a further investment in active transport. We want to boost cycling and walking in order to reduce traffic congestion.
“I discussed this at budget estimates in the other house and indicated my intention to move this way. So, I am in fact considering increasing the power of e-bikes, potentially, to 500 watts. That’s in line with what one other state has done at the moment, New South Wales has moved that way.
“More powerful EPACs [electric power assisted cycles] which are better suited for hilly terrain are being designed and becoming available in the market. So, the intention that I am seeking from this parliament in this bill is to increase the regulatory flexibility that we will need and our responsiveness by moving the requirement to set the maximum motor watt limit at regulation.”
The definition of a 200-watt electric bicycle that is not speed limited and can include a throttle is in the Tasmanian Act, but the definition of the 250-watt, 25km speed limited bikes that must be pedalled is in Australian Government legislation.
Leader of the Opposition, Rebecca White, spoke during the debate about the consultation she’d undertaken with bicycle shops and Bicycle Network to ensure the definition of an e-bike was clear.
“…when you’ve got someone who’s a greater weight riding a bike, a grown adult for instance, and you’re looking to commute in the city like in Hobart where you’ve got quite a lot of hills, sometimes 200 watt doesn’t necessarily cut it for those steep hills in our city. So, having legislation that allows more power output, so 250 watts to be more consistent with what’s happening across the country.
“It’s been put to me that 350 watts and 32km an hour would be very useful to deal with some of the topography issues in our city,” Ms White said about her advice from some bike retailers.
The minister recognised Ms White’s call for more consultation and said the Department of State Growth would talk with bicycle retailers and peak groups to prepare regulations to be brought back to the parliament before the middle of next year.
The debate follows an exchange between the minister and Member of the Legislative Council Mike Gaffney who asked in an estimates session in June this year whether the government would consider following NSW's lead in increasing the motor wattage of e-bikes.
The bill passed the House of Assembly on Thursday 10 August and is likely to be heard in the Legislative Council’s sitting session this week or next.