Illegal E-Bikes Set To Be Seized And Destroyed Under New Police Powers

The NSW Minns Government has announced new plans to target illegal e-bikes on Sydneys roads.

Police will have new powers to seize and destroy non-compliant bikes on the spot.

It’s a move that the government says will protect children and improve public safety.

New laws for illegal e-bikes set to follow WA standards

The proposed changes are set to target illegal electric motorbikes, which the government says are “masquerading as e-bikes.”

Police powers will specifically target “throttle-only, high-powered e-motorbikes” which they say are “fuelling anti-social behaviour, community frustration and serious injuries.”

The key difference police are seeking to enforce is the difference between e-bikes, a pedal-assisted bike and “illegal electric motorbikes” which have different power outputs.

Police will soon have the power to test these bikes on the spot with new “dyno units” which can “determine whether the e-bike’s power assistance cuts out completely at 25km/h as per the current law in NSW” they said in a statement.

Bikes found to be non-compliant can have their fate sealed quickly, with police able to seize and destroy the bike, preventing it from returning to the road.

The new rules will mirror the seizure and disposal laws which are currently in place in Western Australia, allowing authorities there to remove dozens of illegal e-bikes of the roads already.

Further announcements regarding the changes are expected in coming weeks.

Minister for Transport John Graham says the government is listening to community concerns about the increasing behaviour of those using these illegal e-bikes.

“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 issued a firm warning for those continuing to flout the rules.

“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.”

NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley backed the ministers comments, issuing her own warning. 

“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” she said”

“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.

She also reminded parents of the critical role they play in ensuring the purchase of safe and legal e-bikes for their children.

“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 reminded the community that this issue extends across NSW as the government seeks to increase safety measures for the community.

“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.”