Bicycles with small electric motors are becoming more popular.  Here is a summary of the regulatory requirements applicable to importers / suppliers in the Australian market, prior to sale.

Electrical Safety

Mandatory electrical safety compliance (declared item status) applies to any external mains

 

powered battery charger that connects to the bicycle.  The relevant standard for battery

chargers is AS/NZS 60335.2.29 and Austest Labs is accredited for testing and able to provide the

additional mandatory electrical safety approval certificate, prior to RCMarking and sale.

 

The bicycles themselves typically consist of low voltage electronics and a motor with battery and charge circuit.  Provided the battery is sufficiently safe, there is no electrical product safety standard applicable to the bicycle itself.

EMC

The relevant ACMA EMC standard for RCM compliance covering motor driven devices is AS/NZS CISPR14.1 and the bicycle should be tested with the charger to ensure both electrical items are covered.  Austest Labs is accredited for testing to this standard.  1 sample is required, testing takes a few days.

Road Safety

To be considered a Power Assisted Pedal Cycle or a Pedalec, the following requirements apply

  1. Power Assisted Pedal Cycle – maximum power output 200 watts

The auxiliary motor/s must not be capable of producing a combined maximum power output
exceeding 200 watts, whether or not the motor/s is operating.

  2. Power-assisted pedal cycle – maximum power output 250 watts (a ‘Pedalec’)

  • Motor has no more than 250 watts
  • Compliant with EN 15194:2009 or EN 15194:2009+A1:2011
  • Top power assisted speed limited to 25 kilometres per hour
  • A person must still be able to propel the bicycle via pedals without the motor operating.

Road Safety requirements vary slightly from State to State:

NSW: http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/documents/roads/safety-rules/standards/vsi-27-mopeds-power-assisted-pedal-cycles.pdf

Queensland: https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/rules/wheeled-devices/bicycle#legal-motorised

Victoria: https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/cyclist-safety/power-assisted-bicycles

Contact us for a quote for electrical product safety testing and certification, EMC testing and approval or both, including assistance on registering for the RCM and ERAC listing of the charger.