Australia Plans to Amend Mandatory Safety Standard for Pedal Bicycles
On 12 October 2026, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) commenced a review of the Consumer Product Safety Standard: Pedal Bicycles: Safety Requirements (2004-11-01) with a view to replacing it with the new Consumer Goods (Pedal Bicycles) Safety Standard 2026 (the new standard).
The ACCC is now seeking public comments on the exposure draft of the new standard, the requirements of which are further clarified by a “section-by-section explanation”.
Product Scope
The exposure draft only applies to pedal bicycles, which means a fully or partially assembled bicycle intended to be powered by human pedal operation.
Exclusions
The new standard will not cover:
a) Bicycles with a wheelbase of less than 640mm
b) Bicycles designed, promoted and supplied primarily for use in competition
c) Bicycles uniquely constructed to the order of an individual consumer
d) Bicycles designed to be hinged or folded, or to be taken apart beyond the removal of the front wheel, for ease of storage or portability
e) Tandem bicycles
f) Power-assisted bicycles
g) Bicycles showing signs of appreciable wear or second-hand bicycles
h) Recumbent bicycles
Details of Requirements
Section 11 Compliance Standards
In the exposure draft, Section 11 –Compliance with the requirements of an applicable incorporated instrumentspecifies that a pedal bicycle (within the product scope) must comply with the requirements of one of the following incorporated instruments, in the relevant version:
|
# |
Standard |
Reference |
Title |
|
a |
Australian/New Zealand Standard |
Pedal bicycles – Safety requirements |
|
|
b |
International Standard 1 |
Parts 1 to 9 (inclusive) of ISO 4210 |
Cycles — Safety requirements for bicycles |
|
c |
International Standard 2 |
Cycles — Safety requirements for bicycles for young children |
|
|
d |
European Standard |
BMX bicycles Safety requirements and test methods |
Section 12 – Audible warning device
This section provides that a pedal bicycle must have an audible warning device (for example, a bell).
Section 13 – Handbrakes
This section provides that:
- A pedal bicycle must have a right handbrake lever which operates on the front wheel brake; and
- Where a pedal bicycle is provided with a left handbrake lever which must operate on the rear wheel brake.
Section 14 – Reflectors
This section provides that a pedal bicycle must have specified colour reflectors on the sides, front and rear of the pedal bicycle.
Section 15 – Inconsistencies
This section provides that if there is any inconsistency between a requirement in an applicable incorporated instrument mentioned in section 11 and a requirement under section 12, 13 or 14, then the pedal bicycle must comply with the requirements of section 12, 13, or 14.
Reference
https://consultation.accc.gov.au/accc/pedal-bicycles-mandatory-standard-exposure-draft/
