There are different types of quad bikes used in QLD. These are used for various purposes and includes:

• Quad bikes used for farms, towing of small vehicles, and deliveries
• Sport quad bikes used for racing and leisure
• Youth quad bikes for child amusement

Although fun to use, these quad bikes can pose some serious risks to its riders.

The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission has reported more than 130 quad bike accidents from 2011 to 2019. These are mostly due to:

• Rollovers
• Not wearing of helmet
• Falling off the bike
• Collision
• Imbalanced weight when towing

For this reason, the Quad Bike Safety Standard 2019 was introduced. This standard comes in two phases with the first phase commencing on 11 October this year. Here’s what you need to know about it.

The First Phase

Rollover is the major risk of riding a quad bike. It may cause serious injuries such as head trauma and bone fracture. Therefore, the first phase of the new safety standard seeks to minimize the case of rollovers.

Come 11 October 2020, all new quad bikes are required to adhere to the following safety standards:

Affix Rollover Warning Label

A clear, visible and legible warning label about the risk of rollover (as seen below) must be attached to the quad bikes. The label must also be placed where the rider can easily see it while on the bike.

Rollover Warning Label

Provide information on manuals and handbooks

The instruction handbook (for Australian Standard) or owner’s manual (for US Standard) must include the information on the risk of rollovers.

Lateral Static Stability Test

All new and secondhand imported quad bikes are also required to be tested for lateral static stability before 11 October this year. A yellow hang tag containing the following information must be hanged on the bike while it is on sale:

• The minimum angle when the bike is tipped in two wheels
• The name of quad bike manufacturer,
• and the model of the tested bike

Yellow Hang Tag

Such standards aim to inform the rider of the risk and prevention of rollovers before purchasing a quad bike. Since October is fast approaching, it is advised to get a bike that has already complied with the standard. Are you looking for a tested quad bike? Talk to us today.

As for the second phase of implementation, integration of safety features is a key requirement. Stability requirements expected for new quad bikes will be discussed below.

The Second Phase

On 11 October 2021, quad bikes included in the Consumer Goods Safety Standard 2019 will need to meet the following requirements:

Front and Rear Stability

The front and read longitudinal pitch must have a minimum of 0.8 Tilt Table Ratio to comply with the stability requirement. It prevents the bike from tilting on two wheels at a 38.65 degrees slope.

Lateral Roll Stability

A tilt table ratio of 0.55 is required to meet the lateral stability requirement. This will prevent the quad bike from tilting sideways on two wheels at a slope with less than 28.81 degrees.

Operator Protection Device

Additional to the stability requirements, new quad bikes must also be designed to have an operator protection device.

The second phase of the new safety standard seeks to upgrade the current design of quad bikes for safer use. Therefore, two years for innovating the design was provided since implementation.

Conclusion

The Quad Bike Safety Standard 2019 was implemented to ensure the safety of the rider and passersby. With this policy, the Queensland government hopes that quad bike accidents will be minimized.

Adhering to the same goal, we at Odes Superstore do our best to comply with the standards ahead of time. Our customers’ safety is always a priority for us. Therefore, we are dedicated to making our products and services more secure for you.