Quads are a popular and useful vehicle choice for many tasks on farm. However, they are also extremely dangerous and have caused a high number of severe injuries and fatalities on Australian Farms.

The quad’s design is such that significant co-ordination, strength, judgement and experience are required to achieve safe operation. The majority of fatalities and serious injuries occur when the quad rolls over, and without an operator protection device (OPD), people are crushed or pinned underneath the vehicle, often with tragic consequences. Over half of quad related deaths in the workplace and one third of deaths during recreational activities are caused by crush injuries or asphyxiation.

To help protect quad users, the Australian Government introduced a mandatory safety standard under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL): the Consumer Goods (Quad Bikes) Safety Standard 2019. 

• The first stage of requirements for all quads became mandatory on 11 October 2020.
• The second stage places additional requirements for general use quads supplied from 11 October 2021.
• The standard does not apply to second-hand quad bikes other than those second-hand quad bikes that are imported into Australia. 

 The Standard Requires:

More information 

• ACCC - Quad Bike Safety Standard (webpage)
• ACCC - Quad Bike Safety Standard Fact sheet
• ACCC - Quad Bikes (webpage)

The ACCC has released the below video to help consumers understand what changes they can expect come 11 October 2020 and 2021.