NSW Police seize 36 e-bikes in Northern Beaches crackdown

NSW Police and Transport for NSW conducted Operation E-Voltage on Friday, seizing 36 motorised bicycles during a crackdown on illegal e-bike use across the Northern Beaches. The operation targeted areas including Manly, Curl Curl, Dee Why, and Avalon Beach following reports of dangerous and reckless riding.

The crackdown follows recent amendments to the Road Transport Act, which prohibit riding e-bikes capable of exceeding 25 kilometres per hour. Under these new regulations, police have the authority to destroy illegal or modified high-powered bikes. During the operation, authorities issued 16 penalty notices and 46 caution notices for various offences, including mobile phone usage and failure to wear a helmet.

One seized vehicle was a high-powered e-bike capable of speeds exceeding 90 kilometres per hour, ridden by a 14-year-old. Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray stated that e-bikes must function like bicycles rather than motorcycles, noting that any bike operating under throttle or exceeding the 25 km/h limit is illegal for public use.