A mandatory import approval through the federal government providing evidence a bike met the definition of an e-bike was removed in 2021, and replaced with an optional advisory notice.

So, the Morrison government is responsible for starting this whole thing by allowing people to import vehicles that are dangerous and illegal to actually ride.

However, a communiqué released on Friday reveals federal, state and territory transport ministers have agreed to reinstate reference to the European standard, EN15194, into the Road Vehicle Standards (Classes of Vehicles that are not Road Vehicles) Determination by the end of the year.

Thankfully, that loophole is being restricted. The vehicles already in the country are a problem, but at least no more will be entering.

In all states except NSW, currently EN15194 is used for what’s road-legal, except NSW, where 500 W is allowed. But

“NSW will rapidly move to harmonise with that standard and with other states’ approach,” he said.

They’re going to be moving to a more standardised approach.

Personally, I think NSW’s 500 W might not be unreasonable, considering their laws also require the amount of power put out to smoothly decrease as you get above 6 km/h, whereas EN15194 is 250 W, flat, until you hit 25 km/h. Having more power might be especially useful for people with cargo bikes who need to go up steep hills with their shopping, sport gear, or kids.