CHANGES to road cycling rules have paved the way for electric bicycles to take to the streets like never before.
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This week Ballarat MP Catherine King announced changes to the national vehicle safety standards to allow greater consumer choice.
Ms King said changes to the standards mean the allowable power output has now increased from 200 to 250 watts, giving a higher level of performance while restricting powered speed to 25km/h.
Riders are required to pedal to access the power or to reach speeds greater than 25km/h.
"There is an increasing desire within the community for modern designs of power-assisted pedal cycles," she said.
"This change in the Australian Design Rules will encourage modern electric bicycles as a healthy alternative to other means of transport."
The change also means new construction standards for batteries, cables and connections as well as other requirements such as braking performance and strength of frames.
Ballarat Cycle City manager Andrew Watson said the rule changes were intriguing for the industry.
"We haven't got any electric-assisted bikes in stock, but with the change we might look at getting some in," he said.
"I don't think they'll take over (from traditional bicycles), but it's an alternative to other transport for people who might have mobility problems."
Ms King said despite the changes, changes to state and territory road rules may be necessary to allow use of the new electric bicycles.