Amending NSW Legislation to Prohibit the Use of Petrol-Powered Bicycles

Commonwealth legislation defines a power-assisted pedal cycle (PAPC) as either a bicycle fitted with a motor with a maximum 200W output; or a type of electric bicycle known as a “pedalec”. PAPCs are deemed to be a form of bicycle, and are subject to the same rules and regulations. In NSW, bicycles fitted with petrol engines were formerly permitted to be used as PAPCs, despite concerns about their safety. Following the death of a boy in October 2013, the Centre for Road Safety carried out research on PAPCs that led to petrol-powered bicycles being banned from the NSW road network.