Consumer watchdog calls for protection on quad bikes

AUSTRALIA’S competition watchdog has called for rollover protection devices to be fitted to all quad bikes, after almost 18 months of deliberations, industry consultation and 119 submissions.

Rollover protection: Australia’s Competition watchdog has called for Operator Protection Devise (Roll-bars) to be mandatory on quad bikes.

AUSTRALIA’S competition watchdog has called for rollover protection devices to be fitted to all quad bikes, after almost 18 months of deliberations, industry consultation and 119 submissions.

But Assistant Treasurer Stuart Robert has ducked adopting the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’ recommendations, announcing yet another round of public consultation that would not be completed until at least June 10, well after the looming Federal Election.

The ACCC wants Operator Protection Devices - Quadbars and ATV Lifeguards - fitted to all general-use quad bikes, with manufacturers given the option of producing their own to a similar standard.

The watchdog has also called for Australia to adopt the US and European standards on longitudinal and lateral stability.

Mr Robert said that if adopted the fitting of OPDs would only be required for general-use quad bikes and not sport models, youth or transition models.

The ACCC has called for OPDs to be fitted to all new utility quad bikes within two years.

Manufacturers and dealers would also be required to fit roll-over warnings to all quad bike, with hang tags stating at what angle the quad could tilt onto two wheels.

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries is meeting today to discuss the recommendations and the implications they have for the sale of existing quadbike models.