New laws to crush illegal e-bikes to be introduced in NSW parliament
New laws that would allow NSW Police and NSW Transport to seize and crush illegally modified e-bikes are being introduced to the NSW parliament.
The laws aim to prevent the widespread use of “gas-only, high-powered e-motorcycles” which the government believes “fuel dangerous anti-social behaviour”.
A new law has been modeled on existing laws that allow Western Australian police to seize and crush illegally modified e-bikes.
In an Australian first, the legislation will also introduce roadside “dyno units” which the government says can detect whether an e-bike is going faster than the 25km/h speed limit.
Transport Minister John Graham said the laws were a “major step” towards keeping the people of NSW safe.
“We don’t want to deter safe and healthy e-bike use, but we do want to deter dangerous and illegal e-motorcycle use, and these powers will do exactly that,” he said.
“If it behaves like a motorcycle, it’s probably illegal and could end up in the breaker. So the message is simple: Don’t buy an illegal e-bike.”
Police Minister Yasmin Catley said it was important that police had the “right tools to respond” to illegal e-bike use.
“These changes mean police can intervene and seize e-bikes that are being used dangerously or illegally, so risks can be addressed immediately,” he said.
“This is about supporting police to use their judgment and keeping people safe, but also making clear that unsafe behavior on our roads will not be ignored.”
In Queensland, The Courier-Mail reported that the Crisafulli government will approve all 28 recommendations of a committee inquiry into injuries associated with e-bike and e-scooter use.
The legislation, which is expected to be tabled in parliament later this week, will restrict the use of e-mobility devices to people over the age of 16, impose a 10km/h speed limit on pavements and make it a new offense to cycle around pedestrians without due care and attention.
Drivers of e-mobility vehicles must have at least a learner’s license, and those who use more powerful devices must have CTP insurance and a motorcycle license.
