Australia and US Authorities Issue E-Bike Safety Warnings

Authorities in Australia and the United States are taking action to address safety risks associated with the rising use of e-bikes and e-scooters. The Government of Australia is planning the development of national safety standards to create consistency across all states and territories regarding which battery-powered devices can be sold. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission will lead the development of these rules, specifically targeting high-powered and high-speed devices that have been linked to serious injuries and deaths.

In the United States, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office in Oregon issued warnings to riders following observations of unsafe navigation. The agency urged operators to adhere to state laws, emphasizing that riders must be at least 16 years old and that e-bikes are prohibited on sidewalks. The sheriff's office provided specific guidelines on vehicle classifications and equipment mandates to reduce accidents in the region.