According to research conducted by IBISWorld, bicycles were rapidly selling as Australians increasingly turned to cycling, leading to a surge in profits between 2020 and 2022.
In 2021, Australia eased its import regulations on e-bikes, resulting in an influx of models capable of reaching speeds over 50km/h.
However, following a series of fatalities and severe injuries involving e-bike riders, federal and state authorities decided in December 2025 to reintroduce an essential import standard to clarify the legal definition of e-bikes.
This regulation mandates that the motor must disengage once the bike reaches an assisted speed of 25km/h.
Looking forward, there is optimism that a more secure and well-regulated market will foster fair competition among established bicycle retailers.
Bourke notes that the industry is evolving rapidly, suggesting that the traditional local bike shop, which offers everything from children’s bikes with training wheels to mountain, commuter, and racing bikes, may soon become a thing of the past.
“The general type of range will gradually fade away … what you will see is shops becoming more specified in what bikes they sell,” he said.
