Peter bourke

S2E1 PnP Peter Bourke eBike Battery and Helmet Legislation

Peter Bourke eBike Battery and Helmet Legislation

When you hit the streets on your e-bike, how often do you think about the laws that keep you rolling safely? Peter Bourke, General Manager of Bicycle Industries Australia, brings years of expertise to unravel the tangled web of e-bike and helmet regulations across Australia.

This People & Projects episode of the Streets and People podcast is your map through the maze, filled with surprising twists, sharp insights, and practical solutions.

E-bikes are booming, but did you know that the laws governing them differ from one state to the next? Imagine riding freely across state lines only to discover your bike’s battery doesn’t meet the local rules. These inconsistencies make it hard for consumers and the industry to keep up. Peter explains how smarter, harmonised regulations could pave the way for safer and more sustainable active transport.

If safety is your priority, this episode has you covered. Peter shares why investing in high-quality helmets and batteries is non-negotiable. He steps through the latest reforms that make safety gear more reliable and how they could spark a cultural shift in how Australians view active transport.

What makes this discussion stick? Picture this: If we can get e-bike laws right in one state, why not nationwide? Peter’s real-world stories and vivid examples give this idea legs. And his background in sports science adds muscle to the conversation, making it both credible and engaging.

Discover why e-bikes aren’t just a trend but a revolution waiting for the right rules to take flight. This episode delivers the clarity and confidence you need to ride safely and smartly.

If you liked this episode, you might also enjoy our episode with ⁠Stephen Hodge⁠.

⁠https://www.bikeoz.org⁠

⁠https://www.weride.org.au⁠

⁠GetAroundCaboolture.au

The Streets and People Podcast

Every day in Caboolture and Morayfield, people get left behind because they can’t drive. Some are too young. Some are older. Others live with disability or manage on a low income. You probably know 1 or 2 people in that situation.

We keep asking the same question: Why do cars get the red carpet while everyone else gets the gravel?

Get Around Caboolture is a local movement focused on practical transport solutions that work for more people. Through real stories and expert insights, our podcast highlights what’s missing – and what’s possible.

Our podcast series:

People & Projects (PnP): Interviews with researchers, advocates, and professionals working on transport solutions across Australia.

Not Everyone Drives (NED): Conversations with locals who don’t drive, sharing how transport access, or the lack of it, shapes their everyday lives.

Road Rules 360 (RR360)
Co-hosted with John Burrill, this series looks at road rules from all angles, with a focus on people walking, riding, scooting, or using mobility aids.

You’re invited to explore the episodes and learn more at www.GetAroundCaboolture.au.

Get Around Caboolture is a community movement advocating for more transport choice and less hassle.

Here are easy ways you can help us get better transport 

Feel free to share the love and post an episode to a friend or colleague you think would enjoy listening to it. 

If you like what we’re doing on our podcast, please review and rate as this helps the analytics :-)

Click here to find out how to help us get more transport options! 

Laura's family crossing the road
If you're interested in what we do, we could do with your support

Get Around Caboolture is a community movement advocating for more travel options for people in
Caboolture & Morayfield. 

Our Goals

1. All children can ride to school on safe streets 

2. All young adults can get to work or study without needing a car so they begin adulthood without a debt of $15,000 a year. 

A lack of transport options leads to a high financial burden for
families, businesses and governments.

The only way we can be sustainable for the long term is with your help. 

Photo: Dan Peled/The Guardian