National Media Statement – 6 August 2026

We Ride Australia has assisted Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities & Treasury, the Hon Dr Andrew Leigh today in his national press conference on consumer safety laws for e-bikes.

Together with the bicycle industry, We Ride Australia has worked closely with Minister Leigh throughout 2026 to ensure e-bikes continue to provide mobility options for all Australians while strengthening Australia’s product safety laws with a nationally consistent approach.

The significant Budget commitment to progress safety reforms is a direct outcome of our advocacy and the Minister’s invitation to stand beside him for this announcement shows yet again the value of We Ride Australia’s sustained advocacy for cycling over the last 20 years and our unique record in the Australian Parliament.

Quotes attributable to WeRide’s Stephen Hodge

“We are very pleased to stand here beside Minister Leigh to recognise the national approach he has announced to ensure everyone’s continued safety when they choose to buy and ride an e-bike”

“We Ride Australia has worked with Minister Leigh over many months to ensure the enormous popularity of e-bikes for everyday mobility is recognised and to ensure compliant safe e-bikes continue to provide cost-effective, healthy options for short trips.”

“The Minister’s work complements the investment by the Australian Government in the Active Transport Fund, providing a historic $500 million dollars to build bikeways and paths across the country for the next decade.”

Key Points

  • WeRide is committed to ensuring all Australians benefit from standards-compliant e-bikes which are increasingly seen as a viable, affordable and convenient form of everyday transport.
  • The national approach was confirmed with Consumer Affairs Ministers reaffirming their commitment to strengthening consumer protections and addressing emerging risks on 31 July (media statement)
  • In December 2025, committed advocacy by WeRide and the industry resulted in the re-instatement of the global EN15194 standard for e-bikes by Transport Minister Catherine King, after its removal in 2021 led to the current deluge of over-powered, hi-speed e-bikes.
  • The 2026 Budget committed $6.6 million for 2026-27 to progress strengthening product safety framework and standards with an immediate focus on introducing standards for e-bikes and e-mobility.
  • Sustained advocacy by WeRide also supported the historic Budget commitment of $500 million for active transport infrastructure that opened for applications on 3 August.

WeRide looks forward to continuing to work with Assistant Minister Andrew Leigh, Consumer Affairs Ministers across Australia and our stakeholders and members to deliver these important national standards.

Media contact:
Stephen Hodge, Director – National Advocacy
stephen@weride.org.au, mob. 0411 149 910
www.weride.org.au