In what may be no surprise to insurers given the surge in e-bike related claims, a Melbourne study has found that while some delivery e-bike operators adhere to speed limits and design rules, others exploit regulatory gaps to operate as unregistered motorbikes, which the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) says disadvantages compliant operators while calling for a level playing field.
The research, conducted by Monash University in May 2025, monitored activity at eight busy locations in inner Melbourne. Of the more than 27,000 two-wheeled vehicles observed, 47% were delivery e-bikes.
Only 4% of delivery e-bikes were recorded pedalling, which the report suggests may indicate throttle-powered use or modifications beyond legal specifications. Speeds of up to 54 km/h were documented, with nearly 20% of riders exceeding the 25 km/h limit. At some sites this rose to one in three. Hotspots included Swanston Street in Carlton and Swan Street in Richmond.
Elizabeth Street and King Street recorded high levels of riding on footpaths and travelling against traffic direction.
By comparison, compliant Zoomo-brand e-bikes were pedalled almost half the time, recorded lower average speeds, and showed no breaches of the speed limit during the observation period.
VACC chief executive Peter Jones (pictured) said the results indicate that many delivery e-bikes are functioning as unregistered motorbikes without the same regulatory requirements or enforcement as other vehicles.
“We need consistent standards, proper compliance checks, and enforcement in known hotspots to keep all road users safe,” he said.
The VACC has recommended that the government take three actions: update regulatory definitions to match current delivery e-bike capabilities, enforce existing road rules for non-compliant e-bikes, and close import loopholes that allow illegal models into the country.
VACC said its research points to patterns in commercial use that create unnecessary risks and has proposed regulatory measures in response. Jones said compliant operators should not face disadvantages from competitors who are operating outside the rules, and that vehicles performing as motorbikes should be registered, insured, and accountable to road rules.
Should Melbourne introduce tighter controls and enforcement for delivery e-bikes to ensure compliance and safety? Share your views in the comments.
