Massive E-Bike Crackdown: Hundreds Face Fines and Warnings in Nationwide Sweep

Authorities recently apprehended numerous riders, some as young as 14, operating altered and non-compliant bicycles. These included bikes lacking pedals and others legally categorized as motorbikes.

During a two-day crackdown across Sutherland Shire, South Sydney, and the eastern beaches, law enforcement engaged with 215 e-bike and e-scooter users. This resulted in the issuance of 170 fines and 99 warnings.

Throughout this recent police initiative, over 250 individuals underwent breath testing, while 26 were subjected to drug tests, with five individuals returning positive results for drug use.

Additionally, five individuals faced criminal charges, and another 21 received traffic-related penalties.

One notable incident involved a 25-year-old man who was intercepted while riding an e-bike on the Denman Avenue footpath in Woolooware last Wednesday at 3:45 PM.

As his bike was deemed a vehicle under NSW legislation, the man was fined for riding an unregistered and uninsured bike and for riding without a motorbike helmet.

He was also issued a court attendance notice for riding while disqualified and had his bike confiscated.

He also allegedly tested positive to a roadside drug test.

In NSW, petrol-powered e-bikes or those exceeding 500 watts are not allowed on public roads, footpaths or cycleways and may be deemed vehicles requiring licencing and registration.

Under the legislation, e-bikes must be primarily powered by the user and all assistance cut out once a speed of 25km/h is reached.

Police have warned that more blitzs on e-bikes are planned in the Sutherland Shire and at other locations across Sydney.

“While e-bikes are a great mode of transport when ridden safely and most people do comply with the rules, police have seen an increase in illegal or anti-social e-bike rider behaviour,” Traffic and Highway Patrol Operations Commander, Superintendent Anthony Boyd, said.

“We urge riders to learn and comply with the law.”

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