Australia: Changes to MB rules

[HybriPed]

Calling all Aussies: Rules affecting power-assisted bicycles are under review.

The main changes proposed are: to increase the power output to 250 watts; emphasise that this is the maximum continuous rated power; that the power is measured at the wheel; and that the power output cuts off at a speed no greater than 25 km/h or sooner if the cyclist stops pedalling. It also allows slow-speed assist, ie the motor may operate without the rider pedalling up to a speed of 6km/h. Overall, this aligns the specifications with power assisted pedal cycles supplied in Europe, and the paper recommends using the European Standard EN 15194 as a 'deemed to comply' technical document.

The matter is tabled for discussion at a meeting of the Australian Road Rules Maintenance Group in April, being held in Western Australia this week.The proposed rules affect the future of MBs in Australia.

We need to form an association to progress this.

I have posted a lot of stuff on my website HybriPed.com. - please look at it and send me an email if you are interested in this matter.

[mabman]

Greg, that is good news for you all down there for sure. However it still leaves alot on the table as far as what type of performance you can get out of a real motored bike. If I was you I would look in to getting ADR compliant and get with the Moped class. A few more hoops to jump through but it may be a more worthwhile effort in the long run. http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roa...ign/index.aspx

In the state of Queensland, small Scooters of less than 50 cc (3.1 cu in) are able to be ridden with a car license, and are restricted to 50 km/h (31 mph). Mopeds that do not meet Australian design specifications are not allowed on public roads, with the exception of bicycles equipped with a meagre electrical power-source (combustion engines cannot be used) of just 200 watts (0.27 PS; 0.27 bhp). So called "monkey-bikes" were quickly made illegal as they gained huge popularity. Anything resembling an EU moped will need registration and an adult driver with a motorcycle license.
Mopeds in Australia have to be ADR approved in order to be ridden on Australian roads. All requirements are listed in the consumer affairs website.

[Gh0stRider]

Originally Posted by HybriPed

Calling all Aussies: Rules affecting power-assisted bicycles are under review.

.....and that the power output cuts off at a speed no greater than 25 km/h or sooner if the cyclist stops pedalling. It also allows slow-speed assist, ie the motor may operate without the rider pedalling up to a speed of 6km/h.......

Sound a wee bit too complicated. Especially for any gas powered bike.

2KW and 40 km/hr with no licensing and insurance requirement is what I'd be shooting for.

[HybriDude]

Originally Posted by mabman

Greg, that is good news for you all down there for sure. However it still leaves alot on the table as far as what type of performance you can get out of a real motored bike. If I was you I would look in to getting ADR compliant and get with the Moped class. A few more hoops to jump through but it may be a more worthwhile effort in the long run. http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roa...ign/index.aspx

In the state of Queensland, small Scooters of less than 50 cc (3.1 cu in) are able to be ridden with a car license, and are restricted to 50 km/h (31 mph). Mopeds that do not meet Australian design specifications are not allowed on public roads, with the exception of bicycles equipped with a meagre electrical power-source (combustion engines cannot be used) of just 200 watts (0.27 PS; 0.27 bhp). So called "monkey-bikes" were quickly made illegal as they gained huge popularity. Anything resembling an EU moped will need registration and an adult driver with a motorcycle license.
Mopeds in Australia have to be ADR approved in order to be ridden on Australian roads. All requirements are listed in the consumer affairs website.

In Hobart, 50cc scooters are dangerous. We need more power for the hills and distance.

I personally believe that riders should be competent and licensed. Unfortunately, inexperienced riders are involved in serious accidents, even on scooters. Obviously speed is not a factor, but 'road savvy' experience, or lack of it is.

[HybriDude]

Originally Posted by Gh0stRider

Sound a wee bit too complicated. Especially for any gas powered bike.

2KW and 40 km/hr with no licensing and insurance requirement is what I'd be shooting for.

Tony Riccio of Rock Solid Engines in South Australia tells me that he can provide a compliant MB with compliance plate.

However, clearly the regulatory thrust is electric-friendly.

[AussieSteve]

You mean that Tony's 200W engine is currently compliant. If the proposed rules as you describe them are introduced, the engine will have to cut out whenever the rider is not pedalling. Is there a plan for that with ICE MBs? Sounds to me like the ICE bikes are possibly being phased out altogether, in favour of electrics.

[Bobbyoutback]

Let me get this right " proposed new laws say you can only use motor power alone to go up to 6 Ks per hour before peddling .

Insanity !

[HybriDude]

Originally Posted by AussieSteve

You mean that Tony's 200W engine is currently compliant. If the proposed rules as you describe them are introduced, the engine will have to cut out whenever the rider is not pedalling. Is there a plan for that with ICE MBs? Sounds to me like the ICE bikes are possibly being phased out altogether, in favour of electrics.

I think that the motors are currently compliant - meaning 200 watts at the wheel. However, I doubt that they would be compliant Power-Assisted Pedal Cycles in the future.

What is need is an Australian Design Rule covering MABs. As you know, there is an ADR for an Australian moped, probably based on the original Honda 50cc postie bike.

Originally Posted by Bobbyoutback

Let me get this right " proposed new laws say you can only use motor power alone to go up to 6 Ks per hour before peddling .

Insanity !

Bobbyoutback; I don't know where you got the 6 km/h from.

[Fabian]

People could almost be forgiven thinking Australia is a land of free peoples.
I live in Australia and i see our ever tightening laws and jurisdictional system coming ever closer to a Nazi style, fascist system.

It's almost getting to the point where you can't pass wind without breaking some senseless and mindlessly implemented law in Australia.

Fabian

[HybriDude]

Originally Posted by Fabian

People could almost be forgiven thinking Australia is a land of free peoples.
I live in Australia and i see our ever tightening laws and jurisdictional system coming ever closer to a Nazi style, fascist system.

It's almost getting to the point where you can't pass wind without breaking some senseless and mindlessly implemented law in Australia.

Fabian

We've got democracy. Personally, I reckon that it is a pretty good system we have here, considering the excesses that human being are capable of.