NSW Govt To ‘Seize And Crush’ Illegal E-Bikes

Illegal e-bikes will be seized and crushed to stop the use of high-powered and doctored bikes that perform more like motorbikes than bicycles across the state of New South Wales.

The Minns Labor Government has announced expanded Police powers and a crackdown on the contentious bikes.

Strengthened seizure and crushing powers 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 Minns Government has also announced they are sourcing portable dyno units to measure the power output of e-bikes. 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.

‘Expect it to be removed from your possession and crushed’

Transport Minister John Graham said further measures will be announced in 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.

“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,” Mr Graham said.

“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.

NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley said a line is being drawn 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. 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 described the changes as “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.”

Have Your Say. Do you agree with the NSW State Government’s crackdown on illegal e-bikes?