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Products the mandatory standard applies to
Pedal bicycles are a popular mode of transport and way to stay active. This mandatory standard covers:
- pedal bicycles supplied either fully or partially assembled
- children and adult pedal bicycles with a wheel base of 640 mm or more
- pedal bicycles with either fixed-gear or free-wheel features.
Products the mandatory standard does not apply to
The mandatory standard for pedal bicycles doesn’t apply to:
- bicycles with a wheel base of less than 640 mm
- bicycles that are designed, promoted and supplied primarily for use in competition
- one-of-a-kind bicycles, such as bicycles that are constructed for an individual consumer
- bicycles that are designed to be hinged, folded or to be taken apart beyond removal of the front wheel, for ease of storage or portability
- tandem bicycles
- power-assisted bicycles
- bicycles showing signs of appreciable wear or second-hand bicycles
- recumbent bicycles.
Complying with the mandatory standard
The mandatory standard covers design, construction, performance, testing and labelling requirements.
This information is an overview of how to comply with the mandatory standard. Suppliers must not rely on this information as a complete guide to compliance.
View the full detail of the mandatory standard.
Adult pedal bicycle design
These requirements apply to fully and partially assembled bicycles. Partially assembled bicycles must be fully assembled prior to testing.
The requirements cover:
- a bell or audible warning device
- braking systems
- control cables
- drive chains
- fasteners
- ground clearance
- lighting equipment (where fitted)
- pedals
- projections
- protective guards
- reflectors
- seat pillar
- sharp edges
- steering systems
- toe clearance
- wheels.
Child pedal bicycle design
A child’s bicycle is one with a wheelbase between 640 mm and 765 mm. A child’s bicycle must have:
- no fewer than 2 braking systems
- one system with a back pedal brake.
Safety markings
Labelling
Labelling is required where bicycle components need to be either adjusted or attached and adjusted.
Marking
Bicycles must have permanent and legible markings covering the:
- name and address in Australia of the manufacturer, importer or other supplier
- identification number of the bicycle stamped or engraved on the bicycle frame.
Instructions
Bicycles must come with use and maintenance instructions. For bicycles that are partially assembled, simple, clear and adequate instructions for assembling the bike are also required.
Mandatory standard details
The Consumer Protection Notice No. 6 of 2004 sets out the mandatory requirements for pedal bicycles.
This mandatory standard is based on certain sections of the Australian and New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1927:1998.
You can buy AS/NZS 1927:1998 from Standards Australia, Intertek Inform or Accuris.
We can make a copy of this standard available for viewing at an ACCC office, subject to licensing conditions.
When a product does not comply
Fines and penalties may apply for failure to comply with a mandatory safety or information standard. For more information, see fines and penalties.
Suppliers may need to recall a product when it doesn't meet the mandatory standard or is potentially unsafe.
