The New South Wales government has announced new laws granting police and transport authorities the power to seize and destroy illegal e-bikes. The measures, unveiled on Thursday, target high-powered and altered bikes that pose safety risks on roads and footpaths.
Transport for NSW will be able to crush non-compliant e-bikes, while police and Transport Authorised Officers can seize them. Transport Minister John Graham stated, “If you are riding an illegal e-bike, we are coming for you,” emphasizing that the goal is to encourage safe and healthy e-bike use while cracking down on unsafe vehicles.
The government has also invested in portable “dyno units” to test e-bike speeds, ensuring they cut out at 25 km/h as required by law. Minister for Police Yasmin Catley said, “The message is simple: if you’re riding an illegal e-bike, police now have the power to take it off the street for good.”
The new laws build on existing regulations, including reducing the power limit from 500 watts to 250 watts and setting a minimum age for riders. Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison noted that illegal e-bikes have led to serious injuries and deaths, and the legislation aims to “take back control of our streets.”
The announcement follows an NRMA survey of 1,451 members, with 73% supporting an age ban for e-bike riders under 16 and the same percentage backing seizure and crushing of illegal bikes. NRMA spokesman Peter Khoury said, “We have sadly seen the tragic results of having children using these devices on our roads and footpaths,” and urged parents to stop buying e-bikes for kids.
