New speed detection devices will be moved around New South Wales, allowing police to detect speeding illegal e-bikes as part of a major crackdown.
Devices found to be going over the state’s e-bike speed limit of 25 kilometres per hour will be seized and destroyed by authorities, under expanded police powers.
More changes will be announced in coming weeks as the government looks to focus on illegal devices and associated “antisocial behaviour”.
E-bikes found to be going over the speed limit set for devices will be seized and destroyed. (ABC News: Abubakr Sajid)
Transport Minister Jenny Aitchison said Sydney, the Illawarra and the Hunter Valley were all hotspots for illegal, throttle-assist e-bike use.
“Far too many people are being seriously injured or risk being killed,” she said.
“There are people out there who want to flout the rules and put other people’s lives in danger, and we have to have the tools for police in order for them to take that action.”
Man fined over Harbour Bridge stunt
Yesterday, a 26-year-old United States citizen was fined more than $1,000 for allegedly leading a large group of e-bike and e-motorcycle riders through Sydney’s CBD and across the Harbour Bridge earlier in the week.
Police said there were about 40 people riding dangerously in the group and an investigation into the incident is continuing.
Any e-bike that operates in throttle-only mode, where riders do not have to pedal to power the device, is illegal on the state’s roads under current laws.
Police said a group of about 40 people were riding dangerously through the Sydney CBD. (Supplied)
The Minns government has purchased three portable “dyno” devices, which they say can detect whether an e-bike’s power cuts off at 25km/h.
Minister Aitchison said she was not opposed to the use of e-bikes, but they needed to be used safely on the road network and footpaths.
“Parents need to have a serious conversation with young people using these bikes [safely].”
She said the Minns government is focusing on changing rider behaviour, rather than cracking down on retailers selling illegal devices.
The new laws are modelled off similar powers given to Western Australian police, which have allowed them to seize and crush dozens of e-bikes.
The legislation is currently being drafted and is expected to be introduced to parliament by mid-year.
