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If you’ve felt a little nervous stepping aside for what looks like a motorbike tearing down your local pavement, we’ve got good news. And if you’re the speed-loving owner of a supped-up e-bike, soz. The NSW Government has just announced a hard-line crackdown on illegal e-bikes, giving NSW Police expanded powers to seize and literally crush high-powered, throttle-only bikes that don’t meet the legal definition of an e-bike.
Under NSW law, legal e-bikes must be pedal-assisted (not throttle-driven) and cut power completely at 25 kilometres per hour. Anything more powerful – including a lot of so-called “fat bikes” and modified models – is already illegal, but what’s changing now is enforcement. Police across NSW will soon be armed with portable “dyno units” that can test a bike’s power output and speed limiter on the spot. Fail the test, and your ride could be headed straight for the crusher.
According to the NSW Government, the move follows growing community frustration around anti-social riding, social media stunts (including a recent ride across the Sydney Harbour Bridge) and a rise in serious injuries linked to high-powered bikes being used on footpaths and shared paths. The NSW Government is keen to stress that this isn’t an attack on cycling or young people, stressing that they want kids outside, active and moving – just not on machines that put pedestrians and other riders at risk.
Transport Minister John Graham has been unequivocal, saying illegal e-bikes will end up “a twisted wreck” to ensure they never return to the road. Police Minister Yasmin Catley echoed the warning: if it breaks the rules, it’s gone for good.
According to the NSW Government, more reforms are on the way – you can learn more about the new enforcement strategy over here.
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