I wrote an email to the Department of Infrastructure and Transport asking about PAPCs.
They had the following to say. When I followed the link to the NSW parliament, there were no listed links to follow for a public submission.
Good morning Mr Graham,
Thank you for your email about power-assisted pedal cycles.
The Australian Government administers the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (the Act), which through the Australian Design Rules (ADRs) sets uniform standards for all vehicles entering the Australian market for the first time. The ADRs ensure that vehicles used on Australian roads meet a minimum level of vehicle occupant safety, emissions and anti-theft provisions.
Under the Act, a Power-Assisted Pedal Cycle (AB category) is defined as a pedal cycle to which is attached one or more auxiliary propulsion motors having a combined maximum power output not exceeding 200 watts. This power output is about equal to a person pedalling and is the main reason why the category is not required to meet any ADRs. By limiting the power output of Power-Assisted Pedal Cycles, the Government provides an option for those road users who want to ride a bicycle, but need the additional assistance of a motor to help with hills or longer distances. As these vehicles are very similar to bicycles, they are exempt from normal vehicle safety standards, and state and territory governments permit riders to use them by without being licensed.
Road users seeking more power assistance on their pedal cycle have the option of purchasing a Moped (in the LA category). A Moped is defined as a 2-wheeled motor vehicle, other than a Power-Assisted Pedal Cycle, with a top speed of no more than 50 kilometres per hour (and in the case of a petrol engine, no more than a 50 cubic centimetre cylinder capacity). A moped has a higher performance level than a power-assisted pedal cycle and as such is considered a motor vehicle under the Act. It is subject to a number of ADRs, including those for brakes, lighting, instruments and controls and noise. In addition, State and Territory governments generally require that moped riders are licensed and have the requisite skills to ensure that they are safe on the roads.
You may be interested to know that the AB category is in the process of being amended. The New South Wales Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) comprehensively reviewed the AB category definition in 2008-2010, at the time holding wide ranging interest group forums. The proposed change to the current definition is to include, as an option, the definition in European standard EN 15194. This would permit a power of 250 watts, but the rider must pedal in order to activate the motor. It also limits the top speed limit to 25 kilometres per hour. This proposal will be actioned following final agreement of all State, Territory and Federal representatives on the Australian Motor Vehicle Certification Board.
The Ten News article referred to a new review launched by the NSW State Parliament Legal Affairs Committee. Details about the Committee can be found at this website:
Legislative Assembly Legal Affairs Committee - NSW Parliament I suggest you contact the nominated contact officer if you require further information.
Kind regards
Ben Ryan
Standards & International
Vehicle Safety Standards Branch
Department of Infrastructure and Transport
Phone: 02 6274 6651
Fax: 02 6274 7418
Email:
[email protected]
