Non-compliant e-bikes will be seized and crushed under new State Government laws in an attempt to “crackdown” on illegal high-powered and doctored bikes.
The new laws will give NSW police the power to target throttle-only and overpowered e-motorbikes, allowing them to be seized and destroyed beyond reuse.
“This is a crackdown, plain and simple,” NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said in a statement.
“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.”
Portable roadside tests will be conducted by ‘dyno units’, which can measure the power output of an e-bike, seizing the device if it does not cut out completely at 25km/h as per the current law in NSW.
Illegal e-bikes, or “fat bikes,” – often exceeding 500W – and other throttle-only devices are being targeted. The Government says these bikes were seen being ridden illegally across the Sydney Harbour Bridge in a recent social media stunt earlier this week.
A large group of e-bike riders was recorded early in January in Manly and Dee Why. Image: Manly Observer Instagram
The Northern Beaches has also had its fair share of organised rides outs involving large groups of youths, including two from the last few weekends that fizzled out due to a police presence. It is not known whether any of these bikes were illegally modified or not, however, and the police presence was more about ensuring public and rider safety.
Transport Minister John Graham says the reform aims to keep young people outdoors, without tolerating putting lives at risk with illegal, high-powered e-motorbikes.
“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,” he said.
“This reform goes far past the NSW Liberals’ idea for tiny number plates that validates and entrenches the most dangerous e-bikes.”
Previously, proposed Liberal policy, private organisations and local councils alike have attempted to solve a perceived reckless e-bike riding among youth culture. Last year, Northern Beaches Council looked to roll out its own education tactic in collaboration with Bicycle NSW, where digital bike licences were issued to school children who completed safety courses.
Electric-powered bicycles ridden without a helmet along Manly seafront, despite the fact the bike can read speeds of up to 25km/h. Photo: Alec Smart
Another organisation, E-bike Safety Australia, also pursued initiating its own traceable number plate scheme for Northern Beaches students on e-bikes after effective results in Cronulla high schools. The program aimed to hold students accountable for the actions they committed on e-bikes but nothing has been adopted to date.
The Government said the reform intends to “simplify” current lengthy and resource-intensive seizure laws designed with high-powered cars and motorbikes in mind. In Western Australia, the laws are already in place, with reportedly dozens of e-bikes already seized and crushed.
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Warnings were also put out to parents that some devices marketed as legal e-bikes in stores are, in fact, illegal electric motorbikes. These products will often have throttle operation without pedalling above 6km/h, excessive power output or modified speed limiters.
However, it was emphasised that even if these bikes were bought in error, they can still be seized and crushed.
“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,” NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley said.
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.”
It is not yet known when these laws will come into effect and we are seeking comment from local representatives. More to come.
