A crushing outcome for owners and riders of illegal e-bikes

Illegal e-bikes will be seized and crushed to stop the use of high-powered and doctored bikes that perform more like motorbikes than bicycles.

The Minns Labor Government is determined to remove illegal electric motorbikes masquerading as e-bikes from NSW roads and paths, and is giving NSW Police expanded powers to do so.

This reform draws a clear line: we want young people outdoors, active and enjoying their communities but we will not tolerate illegal, high-powered e-motorbikes putting lives at risk.

Strengthened seizure and crushing powers for NSW Police will target the growing number of throttle-only, high-powered e-motorbikes that are fuelling anti-social behaviour, community frustration and serious injuries.

So-called “fat bikes” and other throttle-only devices like those ridden across the Sydney Harbour Bridge in a recent social media stunt are not legal e-bikes under NSW law and will be able to be seized and crushed under this new legislation.

The Minns Labor Government is also investing in a number of ‘dyno units’ that measure whether the power output of an e-bike is beyond the legal maximum.

The portable test units can determine whether the e-bike’s power assistance cuts out completely at 25km/h as per the current law in NSW.

If an e-bike is found to be non-compliant at the roadside, Police will be empowered to crush the bike to ensure it does not return to the road.

This will simplify the current seizure laws, which were designed with high-powered cars and motorbikes in mind, and require a lengthy and resource-intensive court process to remove them permanently.

As Transport for NSW and NSW Police develop the new seizure laws, they will be looking at the simple seizure and disposal laws already in place in Western Australia.

Police in WA have confiscated and crushed dozens of bikes since adopting tougher laws.

Not all e-bikes sold in shops are legal on our streets. The NSW Government is asking parents to double-check before buying an e-bike for their child.

Many devices being marketed as e-bikes are in fact illegal electric motorbikes, with throttle operation without pedalling above 6km/h, excessive power output or modified speed limiters.

If a device does not meet NSW’s legal definition of a pedal-assisted e-bike, it can be seized and crushed even if it was bought in error.

These changes are the start of a broader package of reforms to make sure e-bikes are safe, legal and fit for use on public roads and paths, while still supporting responsible riding and active transport.

This can only happen when bikes behave like bikes, not motorbikes.

Further measures will be announced in coming weeks to strengthen safety, improve enforcement and give parents, riders and communities a clear and safe set of rules they can have confidence in.