New South Wales police and Transport for NSW officers seized 36 illegal and modified e-bikes during an operation across four Sydney suburbs last Friday. The crackdown utilized new laws introduced on August 21, which permit authorities to confiscate and destroy non-compliant vehicles used in public spaces.
The operation targeted Manly, Curl Curl, Dee Why, and Avalon, where officers encountered e-bikes allegedly capable of exceeding 90 km/h. In one instance, a 14-year-old was found with an e-bike reportedly capable of reaching speeds over 90 km/h. During the sweep, 16 penalty notices were issued for various offenses, including helmet and mobile phone violations, and 46 cautions were given.
The enforcement action has ignited a debate on social media, with some citizens questioning the prioritization of e-bike crackdowns over more serious criminal activity. "Surely there are far more serious offences demanding our attention... thieves, organised crime, NDIS fraud, drug dealers and violent offenders to name just a few," one social media user commented. Others criticized the police for focusing on recreational vehicles instead of what they perceive as more significant threats.
Conversely, many supported the police action, emphasizing the importance of road safety and regulations. "Excellent work, none of us are allowed unregistered uninsured and unlicensed on our roads for good reason. Thank goodness common sense has prevailed," stated one commenter. Supporters argued that e-bikes, like other vehicles, should adhere to road-legal standards.
Assistant Commissioner David Driver of the NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol urged riders to ensure their e-bikes comply with legislation, warning that police would enforce the new laws for non-compliant vehicles. Transport Secretary Josh Murray reinforced this, stating that e-bikes must operate like bicycles and not motorcycles. He cautioned that bikes exceeding 25 km/h while powered or operating under throttle like a motorcycle are not legal for public use and risk confiscation.
This enforcement comes amid concerns about e-bike safety, with data from Sydney's St. Vincent's Hospital in February indicating that 200 e-bike-related injuries required attention from their trauma team last year. Serious injuries from e-bikes reportedly doubled in 2025 compared to the previous year, with nearly 10 percent of those injured requiring intensive care.
