You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
Emigrating to Oz (Brisbane) for a few years at the end of the month,
Planning on taking the e-bike (Orbea Rise - EP8 motor)
I understand it'll be thrown into the sea if it has any trace of dirt on it, but can anyone advise what the rules are ref. it being classed as a road vehicle?
From that quiz, I think I need to apply for an advisory notice?...
Any experience/advice gratefully received!
"progressively reduce as the cycle’s travel speed increases above 6 km/h?"
That certainly doesn't apply to any ebike I've ridden in the UK. There rules seem to generally follow ours so I'd be tempted to ignore that restriction.
Pretty sure you'll be fine from that quiz.
I'm a couple of hours north if you want any tips for places where ebikes are allowed to ride*. Weather should be a bit more comfortable by the end of the month.
*only kidding, they're not banned anywhere... yet.
How are you shipping the battery?
Yeah, ebikes are everywhere here - including dodgy conversions which you seemingly don't need to pedal - even if there are rules, they don't seem to be particularly actively enforced (in Sydney at least). I would suggest that if yours is a "proper" ebike, you should be fine..... it'll just be viewed as a bike.
They seemed to legislate against electric scooter things (not sure if just NSW or nationwide) a couple of years ago, basically declaring that they were neither allowed to be ridden on footpaths or roads - I see a few here in the city, but certainly less than there used to be.
Regarding dirt...... just give stuff a decent clean, customs tend to open anything marked as outdoor equipment (camping, hiking boots etc) - and a mountain bike will certainly get looked at. Maybe spend 20 mins cleaning it, but you don't need to be forensic about it. See below - probably worth getting a bell attached prior to shipping the bike.
PREPARE FOR STW PEARL CLUTCHING:
Australia-wide cycling laws:
Cyclists must follow the same road rules as drivers
Cyclists must not ride more than two people side-by-side, and no more than 1.5 metres apart
Cyclists must not hold on to another vehicle while it’s driving
Cyclists must have at least one hand on the handlebar at all times
Bicycles must have working brakes and a working bell, horn, or similar warning device
When riding at night, all bicycles must have the correct lights
Cyclists must ride the correct way along bike paths
Cyclists must not lead an animal while riding—so no taking your dog for a run
Queensland-specific laws, including associated fines:
Cyclists must wear a helmet at all times, unless you have medical, cultural, or religious reasons not to
Cyclists are only allowed to ride on a footpath where indicated
Using a hand-held mobile phone – $1,078
Failure to wear a helmet – $143
Failure to give way – $143
Exceeding the speed limit by 11km/h – $287
Following another vehicle too closely – $335
Cyclist drinking alcohol while riding – $431
Not what I thought the question would be...
As per @richpenny - You are aware you cannot just stick an e-bike on an aircraft, right? You'll need the battety shipped seperately as Dangerous Goods.
Does the battery even remove on an Orbea? If it doesnt, your at a hard stopper anyway...
Wasn’t there a law about handlebar width in Aus too? was very narrow by modern standards iirc
Does the battery even remove on an Orbea? If it doesnt, your at a hard stopper anyway…
it does if you drop the motor and unplug/bolt it. Not a big problem. Takes 15 mins.
I assume it's being shipped in a container, so less bother about Li-ion cells.
"I assume it’s being shipped in a container, so less bother about Li-ion cells."
Less bother but prepare for some effort and challenges. If I remember, I can ask the members of my team who attended a course on Li-ion logistics last month.
Wasn’t there a law about handlebar width in Aus too? was very narrow by modern standards iirc
There was something about 700mm some time back I think... But no evidence of it now.
Throw away the tyres and mark that on the manifest. I brought 4 bikes over with me and the fixer said give the bike good clean, throw away the tyres and all will be fine. Twas too.
Australia is really shite when it comes to riding....
Even back in 2002 I got a bollocking by the cops in Perth for not wearing a helmet. I rode off really quick and they didn't catch me. I did but helmet after that, though.