NSW e-bike crackdown: Public supports under-16 ban and crushing illegal devices
A majority of NRMA members want under-16s to be banned from riding e-bikes after a series of high-profile accidents, a viral bridge honing incident and increased anti-social behavior.
New NRMA research shows 73 per cent of its 1,451 members surveyed support an age ban, while the same percentage support NSW Police seizing and crushing illegal e-bikes. Ninety-two percent of respondents also want the government to take stronger action on e-bike safety.
The peak automotive body released the data amid intensifying political and legal debate over micromobility in NSW.
NRMA spokesman Peter Khoury said that although the organization sees e-bikes and e-scooters as suitable solutions for short journeys, they are not suitable for children.
“We have unfortunately seen the tragic consequences of children using these devices on our roads and sidewalks,” Mr. Khoury said.
“NSW needs to improve passenger accountability and device traceability. There is also a liability and insurance gap that needs to be addressed.
“In the meantime, parents need to stop buying these bikes for their children. There is clearly serious public concern about children using these devices on our roads.”
Public disappointment is also reflected in the survey; 85 per cent of members express concern about “dangerous and anti-social” drivers and 65 per cent say the rules are unclear.
Accountability measures received strong support; 88 percent supported online road rules testing for drivers and 78 percent believe drivers should have a valid driver’s licence.
Urgent calls for e-bike reform after ‘e-bike gang’ spotted on Sydney Harbor Bridge
The survey follows a series of incidents in February, including a US man being fined after a group of about 40 people filmed themselves dangerously riding e-bikes and e-motorcycles on the Sydney Harbor Bridge before scattering to evade police.
Police recently arrested a 17-year-old on Sydney’s northern beaches after he allegedly led officers on a dangerous e-bike chase by using an illegal electric road bike.
He faces seven charges, including reckless driving, evading police and driving without a licence.
The arrest came as part of Operation E-Voltage, a multi-agency crackdown in the Sutherland Shire in Sydney’s south that resulted in four e-bike seizures, four arrests and almost 100 traffic warnings.
The state opposition is also using public sentiment to push for stricter laws.
The NSW Liberals and Nationals have proposed amendments to the 2026 Road Transport Amendment Bill that would give police broad powers to seize e-bikes from drivers deemed “ratbags”.
In this context, adults will lose their bikes for 14 days, while minors will have their devices until their parents or guardians pick them up.
Opposition transport spokeswoman Natalie Ward said the changes were aimed at drivers who abuse the rules.
“People are tired of dodging crap on e-bikes… It’s about consequences,” Ms Ward said.
“If you cycle responsibly, you don’t have to worry. But if you’re tearing through shopping centres, mistreating the police or treating suburban streets like racetracks, your e-bike will be taken away.”
Opposition police spokesman Anthony Roberts added that the current government’s approach lacked meaningful deterrence.
In response to growing safety concerns, the NSW government has introduced what it describes as “measured and gradual reforms aimed at improving the safety of riders, pedestrians and the wider community”.
The changes have been implemented along with new European-style production standards and power limits since March this year.
The government is overseeing a three-year transition period towards full compliance by March 2029, while considering a minimum driver age and expanded police powers.
