Australia is facing what the government calls a “real emergency” as ebikes surge in popularity, leading to a dramatic increase in injuries and deaths. Health Minister Mark Butler described illegal ebikes as a “total menace on the road” on Friday, stating the need to halt their entry into the country and empower police to confiscate and destroy them.
A Rising Toll
The issue came to a head after approximately 40 ebikes and e-motorcycles swarmed the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Wednesday. New South Wales recorded 226 ebike-related injuries in 2024, a number that jumped to 233, plus four fatalities, in the first seven months of 2025 alone. Queensland also saw 239 crashes involving legal ebikes in 2025, four of which were fatal, according to preliminary police data.
Despite the risks, ebikes have gained traction as a potentially climate-friendly solution to urban congestion and a way for Australians to exercise and save money. For some, like 16-year-old Ben Boucher of Manly, they offer newfound independence, shortening his commute to school to just 10 minutes.
Challenges to Regulation
However, the boom has also presented challenges. Retailers like Tadana Maruta, owner of Pedl bikes in Sydney, believe limiting power to 250 watts will be ineffective, stating, “You position the drugs into the community and now people have tasted it, and now you desire to take it out. It’s too late.” He explained that ebikes can be modified to exceed these limits.
Illegal bikes, which can travel faster than 25km/h and have throttles, accounted for more than half of the ebikes intercepted during a Melbourne police operation in August. Authorities are also attempting to address large group rides, sometimes referred to as “rideouts,” which have grown in popularity since the Covid pandemic.
Enforcement and Education
Calls are growing to crack down on these gatherings, with some, like NSW opposition deputy leader Natalie Ward, demanding “ebikie gangs” be barred from the streets. Bicycle NSW advocates for a focus on education for teenagers, parents, and retailers, and is trialling a program in hundreds of schools. A 15-year-old Sydney student, Max, recalled a safety lesson that emphasized the importance of helmets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the government doing to address the ebike issue?
The government has tightened import standards, requiring road-legal ebikes to have motors that only activate when the rider is pedalling and are restricted to speeds of 25km/h and power of 250 watts. They are also considering giving police more power to confiscate and destroy illegal ebikes.
Are ebikes still popular despite the safety concerns?
Yes, ebikes remain popular, particularly among teenagers who value the independence and convenience they offer. One student reported that most of his grade now rides ebikes to school.
What are retailers saying about the new regulations?
Some retailers, like Tadana Maruta, believe the new power limits will be ineffective, as ebikes can be modified to exceed them. They also point out that customers can still purchase high-powered ebikes for use on private property.
As regulations evolve and enforcement efforts increase, it remains to be seen how effectively Australia can manage the challenges posed by the growing popularity of ebikes.
