Police in New South Wales have seized 36 illegal ebikes on Sydney’s northern beaches using portable speed-testing dyno units, following an operation launched by NSW Police. According to Assistant Commissioner David Driver, officers targeted modified vehicles that bypassed standard speed limiters, including one bike ridden by a 14-year-old boy that was capable of reaching speeds exceeding 90km/h.
New Police Powers Target Modified Ebikes Across New South Wales
In late August, NSW Police were granted new legislative powers allowing officers to seize and ultimately destroy ebikes capable of exceeding legal speed limits. Owners are given a 14-day window to notify police if a seized bike was stolen or being used by another person. After that period, the vehicles will be crushed, according to government statements.
The recent northern beaches operation utilized portable speed-testing devices known as dyno units. Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray stated that the equipment allows authorities to quickly inspect suspect bikes on-site. During the Friday operation, one inspected bike reached over 40km/h simply by engaging the throttle.
Surging Injury Rates Drive Crackdown on Non-Compliant Personal Mobility Devices
While ebikes have gained popularity as a climate-friendly transport alternative, safety data shows a sharp rise in incidents. NSW recorded 226 ebike-related injuries in 2024. Figures for the first seven months of 2025 surged to 233 injuries alongside four deaths, according to official data.
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler labeled non-compliant devices a “total menace” following an incident in February where about 40 ebikes and e-motorcycles swarmed the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Online footage also captured riders travelling on the Western Distributor and performing stunts. Alongside the 36 seized bikes, police issued 16 penalty notices and 46 cautions on Friday for offenses including failing to wear a helmet, mobile phone use, and carrying multiple passengers.
Pro Tip: State regulations require ebikes to cut power assistance at 25km/h and operate like traditional bicycles rather than motorcycles. Riders risk permanent confiscation and destruction of non-compliant vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes an ebike illegal in New South Wales?
An ebike is illegal if it does not cut power assistance at 25km/h, can be operated like a motorcycle via a throttle exceeding legal limits, or has been modified to reach higher speeds.
What happens to seized ebikes?
Owners have 14 days to notify police if a seized bike was stolen or operated by someone else. Unclaimed or non-compliant bikes are scheduled to be crushed by the government.
How do police test ebike speeds on the road?
Did You Know? In addition to the 36 bike seizures on the northern beaches, officers issued 46 cautions and 16 penalty notices for separate traffic infractions such as helmet non-compliance.
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