E-bikes have quickly become one of the most controversial transport trends in recent years, with modified electric rideables in particular posing a major threat in both cities and suburbs.
Experts say that when used correctly, e-bikes are an effective and efficient way to get around.
But in cities like Sydney, calls have been mounting for a crackdown on the devices, amid widespread reports that they’re being used irresponsibly by young people, causing countless collisions and sometimes devastating injuries.
Police in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire have revealed they’ve done just that, handing out 170 fines in just two days last week.
The South Sydney and Eastern Beaches Police Area Commands said that between Tuesday and Wednesday last week, officers spoke with more than 215 e-bike and e-scooter users in the Shire, with 170 fines issued and 99 cautions given.
In that time, more than 250 people were breath tested, and 26 underwent drug testing, with five e-bike riders returning positive results for drugs, leading to a total of five criminal charges and 21 traffic offences.
Many modified e-bikes were confiscated. Source: NSW Police
Officers spoke with more than 215 e-bike and e-scooter users, with 170 fines issued and 99 cautions given across southern Sydney. Source: NSW Police
More e-bike crackdowns for Sydney suburbs
Superintendent Anthony Boyd warned operations have been planned across the city and will target riders on modified e-bikes and those who aren’t riding within the rules.
“NSW Police take illegally modified e-bikes and dangerous riding seriously, and will continue to conduct operations to prevent reckless riding where other road users and pedestrians are put at risk,” Superintendent Boyd said.
“While e-bikes are a great mode of transport when ridden safely and most people do comply with the rules, police have seen an increase in illegal or anti-social e-bike rider behaviour.
“Disappointingly, officers saw a number of riders on modified and non-compliant e-bikes, and we took appropriate action. We urge riders to learn and comply with the law.”
Among the reported incidents, a teenager was allegedly riding a bike classified as a motorbike, while a 25-year-old man was caught on a pedal-less e-bike and faced multiple fines for driving while disqualified, riding an unregistered and uninsured bike, not wearing a helmet, and using the footpath.
He also allegedly tested positive for drugs and had his bike confiscated.
The police blitz on e-bikes in the Sutherland Shire was the latest in a NSW Police crackdown. Source: NSW Police
The latest wave of penalties comes after Holly Maw, from Sydney’s Northern Beaches, was left bloodied, battered and with several shattered teeth after a devastating e-bike collision in Freshwater.
Holly told Yahoo News how the incident resulted in significant trauma to her mouth and jaw and a long, painful recovery involving extensive dental treatment.
She incurred over $38,000 in medical bills and is now calling for an outright ban on the controversial devices for drivers under the age of 16.
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