Quad bike safety standard now mandatory

All new and imported second-hand quad bikes sold in Australia must now comply with new controversial safety regulations. The first stage of the government’s mandatory safety standard came into effect on October 11.

Under the ‘Stage 1’ measures, quad bikes must be tested for lateral static stability and display the results on a hang tag at the point of sale. Roll-over warnings must also be displayed on the machine and in the owner’s manual.

Stage two of the new safety standard will be implemented in October 2021, and will require new and imported second hand quad bikes to be fitted with roll-over protection systems (ROPS) or operator protection devices (OPDs).

The new safety standard is in response to a worrying number of quad bike deaths on Australian farms. Safework Australia shows that 152 people have died from incidents involving quad bikes since 2011. There has already been 16 fatalities so far in 2020.

The ACCC proposed the new standard to the government in 2019, claiming that ‘most’ quad bike accidents are the result of rollover incidents, and that stability testing and roll-over protection will greatly reduce the risks.

But major manufacturers and the FCAI disagree, arguing that there is not enough scientific evidence to suggest the new measures will be effective. The ACCC has been accused of choosing a ‘silver bullet’ fix, rather than looking at the bigger picture.

The FCAI believes that mandatory helmet use, rider education, and safe riding practices would be far more effective in preventing quad bike deaths and serious injury. It suggests that OPDs are not proven to reduce the risks, and could in fact enhance the risks.

As a result of the new measures, many major ATV manufacturers have left the Australian market, refusing to comply with the new safety standard. Punters have responded by snapping up remaining stock – a direct reason for the rise in ATV/UTV sales in Australia.

The ACCC announced the implementation of the first stage via a statement. “This first stage of the standard is a significant step in improving the safety of quad bikes in Australia, and addressing the extremely concerning rate of injuries and fatalities caused by quad bike accidents,” said ACCC Deputy Chair, Mick Keogh. “Consumers will now be able to have confidence that quad bikes they buy will meet a certain level of quality and safety.”

While neither side of the debate looks like backing down, sources have told bikesales that a reversal of the regulations is unlikely, with both major political parties backing the safety standard.