The NSW Government is cracking down on high-powered, Illegal e-bikes that operate like motorbikes more than bicycles.
The government is determined to remove illegal electric motorbikes masquerading as e-bikes from NSW roads and paths, and is giving NSW Police expanded powers to do so.
This reform draws a clear line: we want young people outdoors, active and enjoying their communities, but we will not tolerate illegal, high-powered e-motorbikes putting lives at risk.
Strengthened seizure and crushing powers for NSW Police will target the growing number of throttle-only, high-powered e-motorbikes that are fuelling anti-social behaviour, community frustration and serious injuries.
So-called “fat bikes” and other throttle-only devices like those ridden across the Sydney Harbour Bridge in a recent social media stunt are not legal e-bikes under NSW law and will be able to be seized and crushed under this new legislation.
The NSW Government is also investing in a number of ‘dyno units’ that measure whether the power output of an e-bike is beyond the legal maximum.
The portable test units can determine whether the e-bike’s power assistance cuts out completely at 25km/h as per the current law in NSW.
If an e-bike is found to be non-compliant at the roadside, Police will be empowered to crush the bike to ensure it does not return to the road.
This will simplify the current seizure laws, which were designed with high-powered cars and motorbikes in mind, and require a lengthy and resource-intensive court process to remove them permanently.
As Transport for NSW and NSW Police develop the new seizure laws, they will be looking at the simple seizure and disposal laws already in place in Western Australia.
Police in WA have confiscated and crushed dozens of bikes since adopting tougher laws.
Not all e-bikes sold in shops are legal on our streets. The NSW Government is asking parents to double-check before buying an e-bike for their child.
Many devices being marketed as e-bikes are in fact illegal electric motorbikes, with throttle operation without pedalling above 6km/h, excessive power output or modified speed limiters.
If a device does not meet NSW’s legal definition of a pedal-assisted e-bike, it can be seized and crushed even if it was bought in error.
These changes are the start of a broader package of reforms to make sure e-bikes are safe, legal and fit for use on public roads and paths, while still supporting responsible riding and active transport.
This can only happen when bikes behave like bikes, not motorbikes.
Further measures will be announced in the coming weeks to strengthen safety, improve enforcement and give parents, riders and communities a clear and safe set of rules they can have confidence in.
Minister for Transport John Graham said, “We’ve heard loud and clear the concern in the community about souped-up e-bikes and the anti-social behaviour that seems to go hand in hand with them.
“Riders and owners of illegal e-bikes should now hear us loud and clear: If you are breaking the rules, and your bike does not meet the very clear specifications of a pedal-assisted e-bike, expect it to be removed from your possession and crushed.
“Illegal bikes will end up as a twisted wreck so they can’t rejoin the road. We will ensure e-bikes behave as bicycles not motorbikes.
“This reform goes far past the NSW Liberals’ idea for tiny number plates that validates and entrenches the most dangerous e-bikes..
“Labor will ban these dangerous electric motorbikes while the Liberals have pledged to licence them.”
NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley said, “Today, we’re drawing a line in the sand. Illegal, high-powered e-bikes aren’t harmless fun and anyone thinking they can slip under the radar should take this as their final warning. If your bike does not meet the rules, it will be destroyed.
“We’re backing police with the tools they need. These safeguards are about making sure the e-bikes on our roads are legal and safe, and about stopping dangerous bikes from being handed back only to pop up again next week. If a bike breaks the rules, it’s gone for good.
“I want to remind people that this isn’t just a police responsibility. We all have a role to play, especially parents, in making sure kids are riding legal e-bikes and not being put at risk.
“If you buy, or allow a child to ride, a high-powered e-bike that doesn’t meet the rules, you’re not just gambling with their safety, you’re gambling with the bike too and there will be no exceptions.”
Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said, “This is a crackdown, plain and simple.
“Let’s not forget, this is not just a problem for the city, communities across regional NSW are dealing with illegal e-bikes being ridden at dangerous speeds on footpaths, local roads and town centres, and too many people are being seriously injured.
“People deserve to feel safe walking, riding or driving in their own communities – whether they live in Sydney, the Hunter, the North Coast, Riverina or the Far West – and that means drawing a hard line between a bicycle and an illegal e-bike.”
