Why should buyers care?
Buying an electric tricycle is a significant investment, but not every electric tricycle sold in Australia is built to the same safety standards. Understanding certification, battery testing, charger compliance and Australian road requirements can help you choose a safer, more reliable electric tricycle for years of dependable riding.
Why Certification Matters When Buying An Electric Tricycle
Not all electric tricycles sold in Australia are built to recognised safety standards. Battery quality, charger safety, frame strength and electrical compliance can vary significantly between manufacturers.
At Trike Bike Australia we work with manufacturers who provide compliance documentation, testing reports and certification to recognised Australian, European and international standards where applicable.
This page explains the standards used by Trike Bike branded tricycles and why they matter for rider safety.
✅ Australian Specialists Since 2007
✅ Genuine Spare Parts
✅ Technical Support
✅ Battery Systems Tested
✅ Certified Chargers
✅ Australia-Wide Support
Why Certification Is Important
- Reduces battery fire risk
- Improves charger safety
- Ensures frame strength testing
- Confirms electrical compliance
- Provides traceability through serial numbers
- Demonstrates manufacturing quality control
| Certified Product | Non-certified Import |
|---|---|
| Australian compliant | Unknown compliance |
| Tested battery system | Unknown battery origin |
| Certified charger | Generic charger |
| Spare parts available | Often unavailable |
| Technical support | Usually none |
| Warranty | Limited or none |
| Long-term service | Often impossible |
AUSTRALIAN STANDARDS FOR TRICYCLES.
Dear Customer,
Thank you for choosing a tricycle from Trike Bike. We understand the importance of safety and compliance for our products, and we want to assure you that our Trike Bike tricycles meet the highest standards.
Although the market for tricycles in Australia is small and specific Australia Standards for tricycles are not published, we adhere to the relevant Australian Standards for bicycles and similar vehicles. Additionally, we fully comply with the European Standards where specific regulations for tricycles do exist.
Here are the key standards and regulations that all Trike Bike branded tricycles comply with:
- Australian Road Rules
Trike Bike adult tricycles comply with the Australian Road Rules, which outline the legal requirements for bicycles on public roads. These include:
- Brakes: Tricycles must have at least two effective brakes.
- Bell or Horn: Tricycles must have a functioning bell or horn must be fitted.
- Lights and Reflectors: Tricycles must have a white reflector on the front, a red reflector on the back, amber reflectors on each wheel, and amber reflectors on the pedals for riding during the day or in low visibility. Additionally, a white light at the front and a red light at the rear are required if riding at night.
- AS 1927:2010 – Pedal Bicycles – Safety Requirements
This standard, although primarily for bicycles, has safety requirements applicable to adult tricycles:
- Frame and Fork Strength: Ensures the structural integrity of the tricycle.
- Handlebars: Must be securely attached and designed to prevent slippage.
- Wheels and Tyres: Must be appropriate for the tricycle and securely attached.
- Chain Guard: If applicable, to protect the rider from the moving chain.
- Marking: Tricycles must be permanently marked with the manufacturer’s name or trademark, model number, and serial number.
- Consumer Product Safety Standards
Under the Australian Consumer Law, tricycles must meet the general consumer product safety standards to ensure they are safe for use. This includes:
- Material Safety: Ensuring materials used do not pose a health risk.
- Manufacturing Quality: Products must be free from defects and suitable for their intended use.
- Specific Requirements for Electric Tricycles (if applicable)
For electric adult tricycles, additional standards apply:
- AS/NZS 1927:2010 (for non-motorized bicycles) and EN 15194:2017+A1:2023 (for Electrically Power Assisted Cycles – EPAC): Ensuring that both pedal, and electric Trike Bike tricycles meet both mechanical and electrical safety requirements.
- Battery Safety: Batteries must meet specific safety requirements to prevent risks such as fire or explosion. All batteries used by Trike Bike meet the following standards where applicable..
- UN38.3
- UL2849/2271
- AS/NZS 62133.2:2018
- EN2023/1542
- Electrical Components: All electrical components are insulated and protected to prevent electric shock. All chargers supplied by Trike Bike meet the following standards where applicable..
- AS/NZS 60335.2.29:2017 (+A1)
- AS/NZS 60335.1.2020 (Part 2.29)
- AS/NZS 62133.2:2018
- Compliance and Certification
Trike Bike ensures our tricycles comply with these standards through testing and certification. If requested, we have the necessary certificates of compliance from our manufacturers which have been completed by a recognised testing authority.
- User Manuals and Warnings
- Instructions: Trike Bike tricycles come with clear instructions for assembly, use, and maintenance.
- Warnings: Trike Bike tricycles include appropriate warnings about safe usage, particularly regarding load limits and terrain suitability.
We are committed to providing safe and high-quality tricycles that meet all relevant standards and regulations. If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact us. bigm@trike-bike.com.au
The Trike Bike Team
© Trike Bike – July 2024. Information correct at this date.
A PDF copy of this statement can be downloaded from >>> HERE <<<
Are adult tricycles covered by Australian Standards?
Australia does not currently publish a dedicated adult tricycle standard. Relevant bicycle and consumer safety standards are generally applied where appropriate.
Are all electric tricycles sold in Australia certified?
No. While many electric tricycles meet Australian requirements, others may use components that have not been independently tested or may not comply with Australian regulations. Always ask your supplier what certifications apply to the battery system, charger and electrical components.
What certification should an electric tricycle battery have?
Battery certification may include UN38.3 transport testing, UL2271 battery safety standards and other recognised international testing requirements.
What does UL 2271 mean?
UL 2271 is a recognised safety standard used to evaluate lithium battery systems used in electric bicycles and electric tricycles. It helps assess battery safety under a range of operating conditions.
Why is charger certification important?
A quality charger is just as important as the battery itself. Certified chargers are designed with safety features that reduce the risk of overcharging and help protect battery life.
What is EN15194?
EN15194 is a recognised European standard covering electrically power assisted cycles and related electrical safety requirements.
Can a non-compliant electric tricycle be ridden legally?
The answer depends on its specifications. Electric tricycles sold for public road use in Australia should comply with the applicable Australian Road Rules relating to power output and assisted speed.
Can I request compliance certificates?
Compliance documentation may be available upon request depending on the manufacturer and model.
Why should I avoid uncertified batteries?
Uncertified batteries may present increased risks including reduced performance, premature failure and potential safety concerns.
Why are spare parts important?
Electric tricycles are long-term investments. Genuine spare parts allow repairs and servicing for many years, helping extend the life of the tricycle and protect your investment.
Does Trike Bike Australia test every model?
Every model offered by Trike Bike Australia is carefully evaluated for safety, reliability, compliance and long-term support before being added to our product range.
Related Safety, Compliance & Support Resources
Understanding certification is only one part of choosing a safe and compliant electric tricycle. The following resources provide additional information on Australian laws, battery safety, warranty coverage and common questions from riders.
Electric Tricycle Laws In Australia
Understand Australian power limits, speed restrictions, legal requirements and where electric tricycles can be ridden.
Battery Testing
Learn how battery capacity testing, charger testing and diagnostic reporting can identify faults and assess battery health.
Warranty Information
Read our warranty coverage, exclusions and support information for adult and electric tricycles.
Why Not Buy Cheap Electric Tricycles?
Discover the hidden risks associated with uncertified batteries, poor-quality chargers and unsupported imports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about adult tricycles, electric tricycles, batteries, maintenance and support.