NSW Government Targets Illegal Ebikes Exceeding Speed Limits
The New South Wales (NSW) government has announced a comprehensive crackdown on illegally modified electric bicycles (ebikes) that exceed the legal speed limit of 25 km/h. Under new laws, police will be empowered to seize and destroy any ebikes that do not comply with the speed restrictions, aiming to remove non-compliant bikes from public roads.
State Transport Minister John Graham revealed on Sunday that the government is developing seizure laws to allow authorities to confiscate ebikes that fail to cut power assistance at the 25 km/h threshold. These bikes will be removed from the streets and crushed to prevent their return to use.
The legislation will apply regardless of whether the owner was aware that their ebike was noncompliant. To assist enforcement, the government plans to invest in several portable speed-testing devices known as "dyno units" to accurately measure an ebike’s power output.
This initiative expands on existing seizure laws in NSW, which currently target high-powered cars and motorcycles. Graham noted that the current process for removing illegal motor vehicles is lengthy and complex, involving extensive paperwork, and is not effective for electric motorcycles.
Recent Incidents and Safety Concerns
The crackdown follows an incident on Wednesday involving approximately 40 ebikes and e-motorcycles. Online footage showed riders, including some on the Western Distributor, performing stunts and engaging in unsafe riding behaviours.
The NSW government and safety advocates have expressed concern over a growing "road safety disaster" related to ebikes. Statistics reveal that in 2024 there were 226 ebike-related injuries in NSW, while in the first seven months of 2025, injuries rose to 233 with four fatalities reported.
Peter Khoury, spokesperson for the NRMA, supported the announcement, stating:
"It's an expensive proposition to have the bike confiscated and crushed but paying for a funeral is more expensive."
Government Response and Enforcement Strategy
Minister Graham emphasized that the new laws respond directly to community concerns about "souped-up ebikes and the antisocial behaviour that seems to go hand in hand with them."
"Riders and owners of illegal ebikes should now hear us loud and clear: if you are breaking the rules, and your bike does not meet the very clear specifications of a pedal-assisted ebike, expect it to be removed from your possession and crushed," he said.
"Illegal bikes will end up as a twisted wreck so they can’t rejoin the road. We will ensure ebikes behave as bicycles, not motorbikes."
The NSW government stated that Transport for NSW and NSW Police will develop the laws, drawing inspiration from Western Australia’s model, where police have confiscated and destroyed dozens of illegal ebikes.
Graham explained that the Western Australian approach allows for a quicker and more streamlined process, making enforcement easier for police.
"If you’re engaged in the sort of aggravated behaviour that we’ve seen on golf courses, across the Harbour Bridge, your bike will end up being crushed," he said.
He described these changes as the beginning of a broader package of reforms aimed at ensuring ebikes are "safe, legal and fit for use on public roads and paths," with additional measures expected to be announced soon. The government has also committed to reducing the maximum legal power output of ebikes to 250 watts.
Statements from Government Officials
Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison described the initiative as a "crackdown, plain and simple," while Police Minister Yasmin Catley stated the government is "drawing a line in the sand."
"Illegal high-powered ebikes aren’t harmless fun and anyone thinking they can slip under the radar should take this as their final warning. If your bike does not meet the rules, it will be destroyed," Catley said.
Catley also highlighted the responsibility of parents in ensuring children ride legal ebikes.
"If you buy or allow a child to ride a high-powered ebike that doesn’t meet the rules, you’re not just gambling with their safety, you’re gambling with the bike too and there will be no exceptions," she added.
Opposition Response
Natalie Ward, deputy opposition leader and Coalition transport spokesperson, criticized the announcement as a "slow, reactive and bureaucracy-first approach" that fails to address rider behaviour.
"Ebikes do not ride themselves," she said. "The community wants accountability for rider behaviour and enforcement of the road rules."
Ward stated that a Liberal government would implement licence plates, enforcement, and accountability measures, contrasting this with what she described as Labor’s ongoing tinkering.
Community Impact and Enforcement Challenges
The government’s crackdown aims to curb the rise of illegal high-powered ebikes, which have been linked to dangerous riding practices and increased injuries and fatalities. The introduction of portable speed-testing devices and streamlined seizure laws is intended to facilitate more effective policing and enhance public safety.
Recent viral videos have shown groups of young riders performing stunts and riding in prohibited areas, such as golf courses and major roadways, raising concerns about public safety and property damage.
The NSW government’s approach reflects a growing recognition of the need for clear regulations and enforcement mechanisms to manage the increasing popularity of ebikes while mitigating associated risks.
