ATVs, when used properly are an amazing tool for both working as well as recreation activities however, “In the first six months of 2020, 14 people, including three children, have died in quad bike-related accidents in Australia, compared to eight in the whole of last year. Seven of this year’s fatalities have been in Queensland.” – ACCC (Australian Competition & Consumer Commission)

In relation to these accidents and deaths, a new ATV legislation was released last year with the main goal of improving the safety of ATV riding. Better information for the consumers and a new safer bike design was included in the new legislation.

What is the new ATV Legislation About?

In hopes of reducing fatalities and injuries from ATV bikes, the Federal Government introduced the Consumer Goods (Quad Bikes) Safety Standard 2019. This mandatory standard has 2 phases and key requirements. All of which  must be met by ATVs  for it to be considered safe.

Phase One

Phase one of the new ATV legislation started on October 11, 2020. So, from that point onwards, new and imported second-hand ATVs and Quad bikes must meet the following:

• Pass the specific US and/or European requirements for ATVs and Quad bikes
• Includes a durable, clear, and visible warning sign about the risk of rollovers
• Go under a lateral static stability test and put the result on a hangtag
• Add information about rollovers on the manual/instruction handbook
• Fitted with a spark arrester that complies with the AS 1019-2000 or the US Standard 5100-1d

These  requirements must be met by an ATV or Quad bike before proceeding to phase two. But before we proceed any further; here are some information about the US and European Standards for ATV  that you should also know.

US Standard for ATV

The US standard for ATVs was developed by the Speciality Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA). It became mandatory in 2006 under the US federal regulation. For the Australian Safety Standard, the applicable version is ANSI/SVIA-1-2017.

Sections 4 to 8 (US Standard) covers the following:

• Vehicle equipment and configuration like:

1. Lighting and reflective equipment
2. Passenger handholds
3. Electric start interlock
4. Identification number
5. Drive train controls
6. Owner’s manual
7. Spark arrester
8. Handlebars
9. Security
10. Tires
11. Brakes
12. Indicators
13. Clutch control
14. Throttle control
15. Flag pole bracket
16. Foot environment
17. Engine stop switch
18. Labels and hangtags
19. Mechanical suspension
20. Manual fuel shutoff control

• Maximum speed capability measurement and speed capability requirements
• Parking brake performance
• Service brake performance

European Standard for ATV

The European Committee for Standardization approved this vehicle safety standard in 2011. For the Australian safety standard, the applicable version is EN 15997:2011 COR 2012.

Technically, this is based on the US standard. However, it included extra requirements for noise and carbon emissions; and excluded some for the spark arresters.

Clauses 5 to 7 (European Standard) covers the following:

• Mechanical hazards such as:

1. Fuel and hydraulic systems
2. Mechanical suspension
3. Passenger handholds
4. Access systems
5. Moving parts
6. Braking
7. Steering
8. Sharp edges
9. Throttle control
10. Rider foot environment
11. Electric starter interlock
12. Drive train controls
13. Foot controls
14. Lighting
15. Tyres
16. Speed
17. Indicators
18. Engine stop switch
19. manual clutch control
20. Rider’s seat and handlebar
21. security and flag pole bracket

• Material/substance hazards
• Controls and indicators
• Noise control
• Hot surfaces
• Storage
• verification
• Ergonomics
• Errors of fitting
• Vibration hazards
• Information for use
• Electrical hazards including:

1. Security
2. Batteries
3. Overcurrent protective devices

For further information about the US and European standards for ATVs or Quad bikes, read here.

Phase two

Phase two of the new ATV legislation will happen on October 11, 2021. By that time, new and imported second-hand ATVs and Quad bikes will be required to have the following:

• An integrated OPD (Operator Protection Device)
• Meets minimum lateral stability of 28.81 degrees (TTR of 0.55)
• Pass a minimum front & rear longitudinal pitch stability of 38.65 degrees (TTR of 0.8)

OPD (Operator Protection Device) requirements

As part of Phase two of the New ATV Legislation, starting October 11, 2021, OPD must be integrated into ATVs and Quad bike’s design. In the event of a rollover, this new design will help protect the rider from being crushed or pinned.

The following devices must be integrated into general use quad bikes.

• A Quadbar
• An ATV lifeguard
• A device that will better protect the rider from fatal injuries if crushed or pinned in case a rollover occurs.

To understand more about OPDs on ATVs and Quad bikes, read here.

Crossfire is one of the few bike manufacturers that has fully complied with phase one of the new ATV legislation. Thus, this is big news because Odes Superstore is a licensed and authorised dealer of ATVs like Crossfire. By the time the new ATV legislation’s phase two comes into effect in October this year, all our ATVs, including Crossfire brands, will be ready as they’ll be supplied with a crush protection device. Aside from these key requirements, ATV riders are now required to wear specialised helmets for increased protection.

Stay tuned for part 2 of this topic. There, you’ll know why ATV riders have to wear helmets as part of the new ATV legislation.