An e-bike rider has been killed following a collision with police during an alleged pursuit on Friday morning.
Officers in a patrol car attempted to pull over the male rider on Allen Street in Waterloo around 3am on Friday when their vehicle and the bike collided.
The male rider, aged in his 40s was treated by paramedics but died at the scene.
He is yet to be formally identified.
Forensic officers spent a number of hours examining the scene and collecting evidence.
“A critical incident investigation team from Sutherland Shire Police Area Command will now investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and the police actions following the initial report,” New South Wales Police said in a statement.
“The investigation will be subject of an independent review by the Professional Standards Command with oversight by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission,” The NSW Police confirmed in a statement.
What is an e-bike?
In NSW, there are two types of permitted e-bikes:
- Power-assisted pedal cycles
- Electrically power-assisted cycles.
The rider must primarily propel these bikes – a motor can’t be the only source propelling it. The motor should only help the rider, like when going uphill or facing strong winds.
Parliamentary Inquiry into E-Bikes Raise Safety Concerns
Last year, a parliamentary inquiry into the use of e-scooters, e-bikes and related mobility options reported that the number of e-bike accidents has increased “in parallel to their growing popularity.”
“E-bike riders are more likely to sustain and cause internal injuries, concussions, and fatalities to themselves and pedestrians when compared to traditional bike riders,” the inquiry found.
E-bikes are both faster and heavier than traditional bicycles. In New South Wales, e-bikes are capable of reaching speeds of up to 25 km/h, while standard bicycles typically travel at around 17 km/h. E-bikes also tend to be heavier, weighing between 5 to 15 kg more than traditional pedal-powered bikes.
IllegaIllegal modifications to e-scooters can also significantly increase their speeds, which has been linked to fatal accidents. In September 2023, a tragic incident occurred in Melbourne when an e-scooter rider was killed while traveling at 50 km/h. The scooter involved could be altered to reach speeds of up to 60 km/h. The rider was not wearing a helmet at the time.
According to the parliamentary inquiry report, governing bodies must introduce binding legislation and regulations, accompanied by strict enforcement, to prevent additional risks to the community.
A report into the death of the e-bike rider will be prepared for the information of the coroner and the officers involved in the alleged pursuit will be questioned.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
