Non-compliant e-bikes to be seized and crushed
The NSW Government is tackling illegal e-bikes with strengthened seizure and crushing powers. NSW Police will have expanded powers to remove ‘fat-bikes’ and other throttle-only devices that are fuelling anti-social behaviour, community frustration and serious injuries.
Minister for Transport John Graham said the message to riders and owners of illegal e-bikes should be ‘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,” Mr Graham said. “Illegal bikes will end up as a twisted wreck so they can’t rejoin the road.”
NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley said it wasn’t just a police responsibility, and parents had a role to play. Illegal e-bikes can be destroyed, even if bought in error.
“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. There will be no exceptions,” said Ms Catley.
Willoughby MP Tim James told NL that the community has had enough of ‘dodging unsafe e-bikes on footpaths,’ but that the NSW Government was only focusing on the bike’s power, which is a small part of the issue.
“Many of the e-bikes people are seeing ridden at speed on footpaths or by children on local streets would actually fall within the rules and would not be touched by this scheme,” Mr James said.
“Rider behaviour matters. Unsafe riding on roads is already illegal and riding on footpaths is already illegal. What is missing is visible enforcement of the laws that already exist.”
Bicycle NSW CEO Peter McLean said that seizing and crushing illegal e-bikes was necessary under current circumstances.
“We are seeing too many high-speed illegal devices capable of travelling up to 80km/hr using our streets, paths and public spaces in a very dangerous way,” Mr McLean told NL.
“If the regulations and standards at a federal and state government level were stronger, then we wouldn’t have needed to do this.”
Mr McLean said regulation changes to adopt the European Standard EN15194 needed to be fast tracked and that Bicycle NSW was seeking ‘a suite of education, awareness, and communications initiatives to promote responsible purchasing and use of e-bikes.’
NL approached North Shore councils for comment. Although they did not speak on the seizing and crushing reform, North Sydney, Willoughby City and Mosman councils told NL that they supported government action against illegal e-bikes.
“I support strong action against illegal, high-powered devices that operate more like motorbikes than bicycles,” Mosman Mayor Ann Marie Kimber said.
North Sydney Mayor Zoë Baker added: “Council supports the State Government moves to regulate illegal bikes to ensure that pedestrians, cyclists and e-bike users more generally remain safe and active.”
Willoughby City Mayor Tanya Taylor stressed the importance of education: “While policy and enforcement play an important role, long-term improvements in safety outcomes also rely on education and awareness.”
