The ACT welcomes launch of parliamentary e-bike safety inquiry to tackle dangerous products
Posted on in Business News , Cycles News
The ACT has welcomed the announcement of a parliamentary inquiry into e-bike products not meeting safety regulations, which has been launched “in context of dangerous low-quality e-bike conversion kits and gig economy delivery services.”
The inquiry, led by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Cycling & Walking (APPGCW), will focus on the proliferation of poor-quality e-bike conversion kits and unregulated models that pose serious safety risks to riders and the public.
The ACT emphasised that the inquiry’s scrutiny of these dangerous products is not only essential for public safety but will also support responsible manufacturers and retailers whose products meet rigorous industry safety standards.
The move comes amid rising concern over battery fires, malfunctions, and a growing number of illegally-modified e-bikes, many of which are sold through unregulated online marketplaces or imported with little oversight.
Jonathan Harrison, Director of the ACT, said: “We fully support this inquiry and its focus on rooting out unsafe, unregulated e-bikes and conversion kits that pose significant danger to users and bystanders. It’s critical that only high-quality, safety-tested products are available to the public, and that clear distinctions are made between legal e-bikes and illegally modified machines.
“We hope this inquiry will play a key role in reinforcing public confidence in e-bikes as a safe, sustainable, and practical transport choice.”
In addition to the inquiry, the APPGCW has recently advocated for the Cycle to Work scheme to be expanded to include more people, including pensioners and freelancers, with the aim of encouraging more people to cycle.
The inquiry’s aims coincide with the E-Bike Positive Campaign, which is currently working to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions, avoid unregulated products, and experience the many benefits of e-bikes for travel, work, and leisure.
The ACT is currently collating evidence to submit to the inquiry.