E-Bike update<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\nA new year has arrived complete with media focus on e-bikes (E-motorbikes really) including lots of huffing and puffing about \u201cdoing something\u201d.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But quietly in the background a change in legislation occurred without fanfare, and it\u2019s probably the most important change to happen.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n![\"Electric](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.dtrecumbents.com.au\/DTRecumbents\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/ICE-Adventure-STEPS-EP8-E6100.jpg?w=625&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nVehicle Standards (Classes of Vehicles that are not Road Vehicles)\u201d and was dated 24th<\/sup> Dec 2025. The amendment specifically addresses the import requirements<\/strong>, not the legality of on road use.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe new wording is: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\u201cpower\u2011assisted pedal cycle<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0means a vehicle that meets the definition of Cycles \u2013 Electrically power assisted cycles \u2013 EPAC Bicycles in the European Committee for Standardization EN\u00a015194:2017, or other later version.\u201d https:\/\/www.legislation.gov.au\/F2021L00956\/latest\/text<\/a> & Advisory notice that a thing is not a road vehicle<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nThe amendment narrows the definition of a power assisted pedal cycle to be one that complies with the Euro standard EN15194. This means that a complying power assisted pedal cycle is not a road vehicle and therefore does not require a type certificate or special approval and can be easily imported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The intent is to stop the importation of non-compliant electrically powered bikes and I expect it will stop the ready availability of these \u201ce-bikes\u201d as the media insists on calling them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A side effect is that it is now illegal to import a factory equipped e-assist recumbent trike (or bike)<\/strong> as these cannot be certified to the EN15194 standard, as the standard mandates design features that recumbents simply can’t meet (eg. height adjustable seats, conventional handlebars, maximum of 2 wheels).\u00a0 So if you had your eye on an ICE trike with Shimano STEPS e-assist, it\u2019s not going to be that simple anymore.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAll is not lost though. We can supply and fit the CYC Motor\u2019s Photon Gen2<\/a> mid drive, a polished and compact torque sensing mid drive that will fit on most recumbent trikes and bikes.\u00a0 The Photon offers a ride experience very similar to the mainline brands, but also has a large range of user settings to tailor the motors response and accepts any suitable voltage\/amp battery.\u00a0 A 250 watt EN15194 compliant firmware is included at time of installation.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDT Recumbent Trike<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Our first D\u2019lite<\/em> small trike is ready to roll out the door!\u00a0 Finished in \u201cStop Light Red\u201d, this build features 16\u201d front wheels, 20\u201d rear wheel, folding frame, Sturmey Archer 5 speed<\/a> wide ratio hub, and special 140mm cranks for its diminutive rider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.dtrecumbents.com.au\/DTRecumbents\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/DLite1.jpg?resize=625%2C416&ssl=1\")
DT Recumbents D’Lite<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nWe think it is an eye catching little trike and hope the rider enjoys many comfortable rides!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our next build is well under way, but you\u2019ll have to wait a little while for the great unveiling!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Workshop update<\/h2>\n\n\n\nIdlers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\nLate 2025 we introduced a selection of locally made chain idlers<\/a> as replacements for factory fitted idlers.\u00a0 Standard sizing is either 70mm or 45mm diameter and 15mm wide with 8mm bearing bore. This corresponds closely to the idler sizing used on a range of trikes.\u00a0 Both sizes can be had as \u201cpower\u201d or \u201creturn\u201d idlers.\u00a0 Power idlers have 2 bearings. Return idlers have a single bearing.\u00a0 Custom sizing is available up to 70mm diameter and alternate bearing sizes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n![\"Cycle](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.dtrecumbents.com.au\/DTRecumbents\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IDCustomDT.jpg?resize=500%2C346&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nRepairs, service and Modifications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\nDon\u2019t forget our workshop is open for recumbent repairs, servicing and modifications<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nCrank shortening, special mounts, seat mesh\u2026 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For those older and out-of-production cycles, there is an excellent chance we can make replacement parts to keep you on the road.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n![\"Repaired](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.dtrecumbents.com.au\/DTRecumbents\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Derailluer-HangerRepair.jpg?resize=625%2C418&ssl=1\")
Derailluer Hanger Repair<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nICE Trikes News<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
ICE (Inspired Cycle Engineering) have released several new models, the Sprint X Pixel, and two Hand Cycles<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sprint X Pixel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Pixel <\/a>is based on the Sprint X model, and in ICE\u2019s words is<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\u201cA compact 20″ all-around wheeled trike with natural handling that delivers an agile, sporty, and adventurous riding experience.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
The Pixel comes standard with 20\u201d wheels, and 130mm cranks and is designed to suit riders from 137cm (4\u20196\u201d) tall.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Red](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.dtrecumbents.com.au\/DTRecumbents\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Sprint-X-Pixel-front2.jpg?resize=625%2C469&ssl=1\")
ICE Sprint X Pixel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nICE Handcycles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Hand Cycles<\/a> are a very different trike.\u00a0 Based on the Adventure HD and Sprint X Tour trikes, they incorporate dramatic modifications to accommodate hand cyclists.\u00a0 The seat is completely revised, the standard pedals replaced with fixed (but adjustable) footrests, and the Shimano STEPS<\/a> e-assist is now driven by the hand cranks.\u00a0 The hand cranks themselves incorporate the steering and adjustment for rider arm length and yet still folds flat to allow access and ICE\u2019s signature \u201cCompact Flat Twist\u201d fold for transport.\u00a0 The hand cycles come with the Shimano STEPS e-assist, Nexus internal hub gears, and Shimano Di2 electric shifting.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTalk to us if you are interested in this product, as we believe there is scope to gain import approval under the new E-bike rules.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"recumbent](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.dtrecumbents.com.au\/DTRecumbents\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Sprint-X-Tour-HandCyc.jpg?resize=625%2C368&ssl=1\")
(Image courtesy of ICE Trikes.) ICE Handcycle based off Sprint X Tour<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAZUB<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
We were very pleased to deliver our first Azub <\/a>trike at the end of last year, an Azub TiFly X<\/a>.\u00a0 A wonderful trike and we understand it is impressing people no end out on the rail trails!\u00a0 We are very happy to be able to offer the full range of Azub bikes and trikes, from their tiny \u201cT Trisek<\/a>\u201d (for riders from 135cm\/4’3) to the simply named \u201cFat<\/a>\u201d \u2013 check their website for full details. https:\/\/azub.eu\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"pink](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.dtrecumbents.com.au\/DTRecumbents\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Azub-TiFly-X-11-1.jpg?resize=625%2C417&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Well, Summer\u2019s a-wasting, but the best riding season is just around the corner \u2013 see you out on the trails!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"evolution](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.dtrecumbents.com.au\/DTRecumbents\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/evolution-Trike.jpg?resize=625%2C194&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Our Summer 2026 newsletter covers changes to E-bike import rules, ICE trikes news and lots more..<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":870,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":false,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[18,26,5,68],"tags":[81,17,56,86,63,85,84,13],"class_list":["post-853","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bike-trike-maintenance","category-electric-assist","category-general","category-news","tag-azub","tag-dt-recumbents","tag-electric-assist","tag-handcycles","tag-ice-trikes","tag-recumbent-import","tag-recumbent-news","tag-recumbent-trike"],"yoast_head":"\n
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A new year has arrived complete with media focus on e-bikes (E-motorbikes really) including lots of huffing and puffing about \u201cdoing something\u201d.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But quietly in the background a change in legislation occurred without fanfare, and it\u2019s probably the most important change to happen.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nVehicle Standards (Classes of Vehicles that are not Road Vehicles)\u201d and was dated 24th<\/sup> Dec 2025. The amendment specifically addresses the import requirements<\/strong>, not the legality of on road use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The new wording is: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cpower\u2011assisted pedal cycle<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0means a vehicle that meets the definition of Cycles \u2013 Electrically power assisted cycles \u2013 EPAC Bicycles in the European Committee for Standardization EN\u00a015194:2017, or other later version.\u201d https:\/\/www.legislation.gov.au\/F2021L00956\/latest\/text<\/a> & Advisory notice that a thing is not a road vehicle<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n The amendment narrows the definition of a power assisted pedal cycle to be one that complies with the Euro standard EN15194. This means that a complying power assisted pedal cycle is not a road vehicle and therefore does not require a type certificate or special approval and can be easily imported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The intent is to stop the importation of non-compliant electrically powered bikes and I expect it will stop the ready availability of these \u201ce-bikes\u201d as the media insists on calling them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A side effect is that it is now illegal to import a factory equipped e-assist recumbent trike (or bike)<\/strong> as these cannot be certified to the EN15194 standard, as the standard mandates design features that recumbents simply can’t meet (eg. height adjustable seats, conventional handlebars, maximum of 2 wheels).\u00a0 So if you had your eye on an ICE trike with Shimano STEPS e-assist, it\u2019s not going to be that simple anymore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All is not lost though. We can supply and fit the CYC Motor\u2019s Photon Gen2<\/a> mid drive, a polished and compact torque sensing mid drive that will fit on most recumbent trikes and bikes.\u00a0 The Photon offers a ride experience very similar to the mainline brands, but also has a large range of user settings to tailor the motors response and accepts any suitable voltage\/amp battery.\u00a0 A 250 watt EN15194 compliant firmware is included at time of installation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our first D\u2019lite<\/em> small trike is ready to roll out the door!\u00a0 Finished in \u201cStop Light Red\u201d, this build features 16\u201d front wheels, 20\u201d rear wheel, folding frame, Sturmey Archer 5 speed<\/a> wide ratio hub, and special 140mm cranks for its diminutive rider.<\/p>\n\n\n We think it is an eye catching little trike and hope the rider enjoys many comfortable rides!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our next build is well under way, but you\u2019ll have to wait a little while for the great unveiling!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Late 2025 we introduced a selection of locally made chain idlers<\/a> as replacements for factory fitted idlers.\u00a0 Standard sizing is either 70mm or 45mm diameter and 15mm wide with 8mm bearing bore. This corresponds closely to the idler sizing used on a range of trikes.\u00a0 Both sizes can be had as \u201cpower\u201d or \u201creturn\u201d idlers.\u00a0 Power idlers have 2 bearings. Return idlers have a single bearing.\u00a0 Custom sizing is available up to 70mm diameter and alternate bearing sizes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t forget our workshop is open for recumbent repairs, servicing and modifications<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Crank shortening, special mounts, seat mesh\u2026 <\/p>\n\n\n\n For those older and out-of-production cycles, there is an excellent chance we can make replacement parts to keep you on the road.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n ICE (Inspired Cycle Engineering) have released several new models, the Sprint X Pixel, and two Hand Cycles<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Pixel <\/a>is based on the Sprint X model, and in ICE\u2019s words is<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cA compact 20″ all-around wheeled trike with natural handling that delivers an agile, sporty, and adventurous riding experience.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n The Pixel comes standard with 20\u201d wheels, and 130mm cranks and is designed to suit riders from 137cm (4\u20196\u201d) tall.<\/p>\n\n\n The Hand Cycles<\/a> are a very different trike.\u00a0 Based on the Adventure HD and Sprint X Tour trikes, they incorporate dramatic modifications to accommodate hand cyclists.\u00a0 The seat is completely revised, the standard pedals replaced with fixed (but adjustable) footrests, and the Shimano STEPS<\/a> e-assist is now driven by the hand cranks.\u00a0 The hand cranks themselves incorporate the steering and adjustment for rider arm length and yet still folds flat to allow access and ICE\u2019s signature \u201cCompact Flat Twist\u201d fold for transport.\u00a0 The hand cycles come with the Shimano STEPS e-assist, Nexus internal hub gears, and Shimano Di2 electric shifting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Talk to us if you are interested in this product, as we believe there is scope to gain import approval under the new E-bike rules.<\/p>\n\n\n We were very pleased to deliver our first Azub <\/a>trike at the end of last year, an Azub TiFly X<\/a>.\u00a0 A wonderful trike and we understand it is impressing people no end out on the rail trails!\u00a0 We are very happy to be able to offer the full range of Azub bikes and trikes, from their tiny \u201cT Trisek<\/a>\u201d (for riders from 135cm\/4’3) to the simply named \u201cFat<\/a>\u201d \u2013 check their website for full details. https:\/\/azub.eu\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Our Summer 2026 newsletter covers changes to E-bike import rules, ICE trikes news and lots more..<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":870,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":false,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[18,26,5,68],"tags":[81,17,56,86,63,85,84,13],"class_list":["post-853","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bike-trike-maintenance","category-electric-assist","category-general","category-news","tag-azub","tag-dt-recumbents","tag-electric-assist","tag-handcycles","tag-ice-trikes","tag-recumbent-import","tag-recumbent-news","tag-recumbent-trike"],"yoast_head":"\n\n
DT Recumbent Trike<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Workshop update<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Idlers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nRepairs, service and Modifications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
ICE Trikes News<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Sprint X Pixel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
ICE Handcycles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
AZUB<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWell, Summer\u2019s a-wasting, but the best riding season is just around the corner \u2013 see you out on the trails!<\/h3>\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"