The Tasmanian Government has released a green paper about options for e-bike regulation changes, potentially paving the way for more assistance either through increased motor power and/or speed.
The paper comes after a commitment made by Infrastructure Minister Michael Ferguson in August last year to look at the regulation of electric powered assistance cycles. These are also known as e-bikes and pedelecs.
“I am considering increasing the power of e-bikes, potentially, to 500 watts. That is in line with what one other state, New South Wales, has done … I have tasked the Department of State Growth to consult and advise me so that we can understand the risks and benefits associated with an increase in the power of e-bikes …”
The department has spoken to key stakeholders and developed the paper and options for reform, which it is now putting out for public comment.
Underpinning the green paper is the government’s stated aim of encouraging people to use more sustainable transport options, especially for short trips. The green paper describes the many benefits of more riding for Tasmanians, such as health, economic, cost-of-living, environmental and tourism benefits.
While regulatory options can be a dry subject, the paper makes it easier to navigate by using several case studies and applying the options to different circumstances. It also usefully compares regulations across Australian jurisdictions and other countries.
Options for reform were developed based on five policy objectives:
- increasing physical activity
- achieving net zero emissions
- improving access to services, education, open space etc
- increasing commuting options
- reducing fatal crashes.
After providing the background to current e-bike regulations and the reasons why they are being re-evaluated, the paper presents three options for reform.
- Allow maximum speed assistance to be increased from the currently permitted 25km/h maximum, up to 32km/h.
- Allow maximum power assistance to be increased from the currently permitted 250 watt limit.
- Add a new class of e-bike, often called ‘speed e-bikes’ offering speed assistance up to 45km/h and higher power limits.
The paper makes it clear that the government could adopt none, some or all of these options. It also makes it clear that any new regulations would not affect existing e-bikes that are currently legal.
The paper acknowledges that setting speed limits for e-bikes on shared paths, footpaths, etc. is one way of dealing with safety considerations but that it is outside the scope of this project. This is the way e-scooter regulation has been handled, with no power or speed-limiting restrictions but mandated speed limits on footpaths, shared paths and certain roads up to 25km/h.
While the paper doesn’t preference one option over another, it does highlight how increased speed could lead to poorer safety outcomes for some while increased power may suit Tasmanian conditions:
“Tasmania’s landscape features many hills, which can pose challenges for 200 or 250 watt e-bikes, especially for new riders who aren’t familiar with efficient gear use or who have limited physical strength for pedalling.
“There are also many regional, urban fringe and rural areas with longer distances to access employment and services from people’s homes … Consequently, Tasmania presents a different scenario for e-bike regulations compared to flatter, more densely populated areas of Australia, highlighting the importance of reviewing our current regulations.”
Comments on the paper are being accepted via https://engage.stategrowth.tas.gov.au/e-bike-regulations until 11am on 11 November 2024.