New Powers for NSW Police to Seize and Destroy Illegal E-Bikes

Summary:

NSW Police have been given new powers to seize and destroy non-compliant, high-powered e-bikes, including “fat bikes” and throttle-only devices. This move follows a controversial social media video showing a group of e-bike riders and motorcyclists driving dangerously across Sydney Harbour Bridge. The new powers aim to simplify seizure laws and tackle unsafe e-bikes, with riders of illegal e-bikes facing penalties and confiscation of their vehicles.

What This Means for You:

• E-bike riders in NSW should ensure their bikes comply with the law (max 250 watts, pedal-assist, and a speed limit of 25km/h) to avoid confiscation and destruction.
• Illegal e-bike riders face penalties, including fines and loss of their vehicle, which will be crushed if it does not meet the legal specifications.
• Businesses selling e-bikes should provide clear information about the legal requirements to their customers.
• The government plans to introduce a wider reform package addressing unsafe e-bikes, requiring vigilance from both riders and authorities.

Original Post:

Police will get extra powers to seize and destroy illegal e-bikes that officials say are fuelling anti-social behaviour.

Mirroring a move made in WA, NSW Police will be able to crush non-compliant, high-powered e-bikes including so-called “fat bikes” and other throttle-only devices.

The move responded to a controversial social media video that showed a group of 40 e-bike riders and motorcyclists driving dangerously across Sydney Harbour Bridge on Tuesday.

The convoy could be seen speeding past cars and doing wheelies across the landmark, prompting condemnation and calls for a crackdown on illegal devices.

…

It will be one tweak in a wider reform package tackling unsafe e-bikes, they said.

E-bikes, many retailing for more than $2,000, and other high-powered vehicles have become a lightning rod for controversy in parts of Australia.

…

However, all states and territories have set a minimum age for e-scooter riders.

In most states, it’s 16, and in the Northern Territory, it’s 18, although states like Queensland allow use from the age of 12 if under parental supervision.

A teenage boy is awaiting trial for manslaughter after allegedly killing a 59-year-old while riding an unlicensed electric motorbike through a park in Perth in July.

…

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Extra Information:

For more information on e-bike laws in Australia, visit rulesforroads.com.au/ebikes.

To learn more about the legal requirements for e-bikes in NSW, visit rms.nsw.gov.au/motorised-bicycles.

For government updates on e-bike safety and regulations, visit infrastructure.gov.au/electric-bicycles.

People Also Ask About:

• What is the legal definition of an e-bike in Australia?

An e-bike is a pedal bicycle with a motorised component, limited to 250 watts and reaching a maximum speed of 25km/h.

• Can I modify my e-bike to have higher power output?

Modifying your e-bike to exceed the maximum 250-watt power output or 25km/h speed limit is illegal in Australia.

• What is the penalty for riding an illegal e-bike in NSW?

Penalties for riding illegal e-bikes include fines and confiscation, with the vehicle potentially being destroyed.

• Do e-bike laws differ between states and territories?

Although the definitions of e-bikes are similar across states, there might be minor differences in regulations and minimum ages for riders.

Expert Opinion:

The crackdown on illegal e-bikes in NSW sends a clear message about the importance of road safety and compliance. These new powers not only target antisocial behaviour but also establish a stronger framework to regulate and control high-powered e-bikes, reducing safety risks for all road users.

Key Terms:

• E-bikes
• NSW Police
• High-powered e-bikes
• Fatal accidents
• Regulations
• Road safety
• E-bike laws
• Compliance
• Throttle-only devices
• “Fat bikes”

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