Unregistered Commercial E-Bikes Flouting Existing Laws, Warns VACC
Melbourne, 19 May
The Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) is calling on both State and Federal Governments to urgently enforce existing national laws that regulate electric bikes (e-bikes), as growing numbers of unregistered, high-powered models are being used in commercial operations across Melbourne.
Despite the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 already providing a framework for what constitutes a compliant e-bike in Australia—including a 250-watt motor limit and a top assisted speed of 25 km/h—many online international sellers continue to supply bikes that exceed these limits. These vehicles, often used for food delivery or courier services, are effectively operating as unregistered motorbikes on public roads.
“The rules are already there under the Road Vehicle Standards Act. But they’re being ignored by overseas sellers, by delivery platform operators, and increasingly by riders who use these bikes for commercial gain.” said VACC CEO Peter Jones.
The issue is particularly pressing in the gig economy, where underage and unlicensed riders are frequently recruited to operate high-powered, non-compliant e-bikes. These vehicles are rarely registered, insured, or safety-checked, yet they’re being deployed daily as commercial transport across busy urban areas.
“It’s one thing to ride a compliant e-bike recreationally,” Mr Jones said. “But when you’re using a 1,000-watt machine all day in city traffic to deliver for a company, you’re operating a commercial vehicle. That must come with legal responsibilities, just like it would for a van, a ute or a motorbike.”
The VACC, in partnership with Monash University, is currently undertaking a compliance study in the Melbourne CBD to analyse the scale and risks of unregistered e-bike use in commercial settings.
With public frustration growing around the unclear laws, underage riders, and the misuse of e-bikes on footpaths and bike lanes the VACC is calling for urgent action, including:
- Stronger enforcement of the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018
- Mandatory registration for e-bikes used commercially
- Minimum age and licensing rules for high-powered models
- Penalties for businesses that enable the use of non-compliant vehicles
- A public education campaign on e-bike compliance and road use
“We’re not against innovation. We support e-bikes as part of a clean and modern transport mix,” Mr Jones said. “But we already have the laws. Now we need governments to act, to protect the public, support law-abiding businesses, and restore fairness and safety on our roads.”
ENDS
Media contacts
Andrew Molloy
Manager Marketing, Media, Communications & Publications
P. 03 9829 1248 | M. 0457 188 375 | E. [email protected] | W. vacc.com.au
Karla Leach
Executive Manager, Marketing and Communications
P. 03 9829 1247 | M. 0429 334 832 | E. [email protected] | W. vacc.com.au
About VACC:
Founded in 1918, the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) represents over 5000 businesses in Victoria and Tasmania who employ more than 50,000 people. Member businesses range from new and used vehicle dealers, repairers, vehicle servicing, parts and component wholesale/retail and distribution and aftermarket manufacture, tyre dealers and automotive dismantlers and recyclers.
VACC develops the future workforce, employing 560 apprentices and trainees through its group apprenticeship scheme, and maintains memberships with the Motor Trades Association of Australia and Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and contributes to the national policy debate through these leading industry associations.