Published on Wednesday, 15 January 2020 at 10:14:30 AM
Safety standard
The Consumer Goods (Quad Bikes) Safety Standard 2019 came into effect on 11 October 2019. The standard aims to prevent or reduce the risk of fatality or injury from quad bikes and it is our responsibility to enforce it.
Even though quad bikes are responsible for more fatalities than motorcycles and more injuries than tractors on rural properties, until now, quad bikes have not been subject to a safety standard. Quad bikes are the leading cause of fatalities in Australia of all consumer products that are not currently regulated.
The standard has three elements: improved information for potential purchasers, enhanced quad bike stability, and rollover protection to reduce injuries and deaths.
This standard applies to all quad bikes from 11 October 2020 with additional requirements for general use quad bikes from 11 October 2021. The standard does not apply to second-hand quad bikes other than those imported into Australia.
Changes required by 11 October 2020
By 11 October 2020, all quad bikes must meet the specified requirements of the US or European standard, have a label warning of the rollover risks clearly displayed, include information on the rollover risk in the owner’s manual and be tested for stability.
Changes required by 11 October 2021
By 11 October 2021, all new general use quad bikes will need to confirm with minimum standards for stability on slopes. The standard will also require that all new general use quad bikes sold in Australia will have an operator protection device (OPD) to reduce the risk of serious injuries and fatalities in the event of a rollover.
Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of the manufacturer, importer or distributor supplying in Australia to supply quad bikes that are compliant with the requirements of the safety standard.
Failure to comply will result in breach of the Australian Consumer Law, which can result in fines and penalties. Contact Consumer Protection or ACCC to report on any non-compliance.
https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/consumer-protection/quad-bikes
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