Two teenagers have been charged following a chaotic e-bike ride that ended with a crash in a major Brisbane tunnel. Police allege the group of around 20 riders weaved through traffic, narrowly avoided pedestrians, rode on the wrong side of the road, and performed burnouts during the stunt on January 23.
A 16-year-old boy crashed in the Clem7 tunnel at Kangaroo Point and was taken to hospital with minor injuries. Police executed a search warrant at a Herston home on January 29, seizing a non-compliant e-bike and a phone. A 15-year-old boy from Herston faces charges under “post and boast” laws for publishing material about the ride, as well as unlicensed driving, driving an unregistered vehicle, and driving an uninsured vehicle.
A second home on Wexford Street in Kenmore Hills was searched on February 1, resulting in the seizure of another e-bike. The 16-year-old involved in the tunnel crash was charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, unlicensed driving, driving an unregistered vehicle, and driving an uninsured vehicle.
Under Queensland law, e-bikes used in public must be predominantly pedal-powered, with a small electric motor providing assistance only, up to 250 watts, and the motor must cut out at 25km/h. North Brisbane District Inspector Matt Blunn said the most recent bike seizures send a strong message to parents and riders.
“Every guardian and rider has an important obligation to ensure any device ridden is compliant and being used in a safe manner,” he said. “It is deeply concerning to see instances of these devices, some classified as unregistered electric motorcycles, being driven on any road, let alone a major arterial, by juveniles. Ignorance is not an excuse when it comes to road safety.”
Both teens will be dealt with under the Youth Justice Act. The 16-year-old could face up to three years in prison under the state’s strict youth justice laws.
