Full Breakdown
NSW Police Crack Down on Illegal High-Powered E-bikes on Northern Beaches
By Drooid · · How we work
Operation Overview
In September 2026 police seized 36 motorised bicycles that had been modified to exceed the legal speed limit of 25 km/h. The seizure took place across several northern-beach suburbs, including Manly, Curl Curl, Dee Why and Avalon Beach. Among the bikes was one owned by a 14-year-old from Warriewood that could reach speeds of more than 90 km/h. Police also issued 16 penalties during the same operation. Owners have a 14-day window to claim a bike was stolen; after that the vehicles will be destroyed.
Legislative Background
The operation was the first under the Road Transport Act amendments passed by the Minns state government in August 2026. The changes give NSW police the authority to seize and destroy e-bikes that can exceed 25 km/h while powered, or that do not cut power assistance at that speed. The government equipped officers with portable “dyno units” to test power output and speed on the spot.
Scale and Safety Data
- NSW recorded 226 e-bike-related injuries in 2024.
- In the first seven months of 2025 that figure rose to 233 injuries and four deaths.
- For the same period, 187 vehicle drivers, passengers and motorcyclists died on NSW roads, compared with 194 in 2025.
These statistics are cited by Transport for NSW officials as part of the rationale for the crackdown.
Official Statements & Responses
Assistant Commissioner David Driver said most riders comply with the law but police will enforce the new legislation against non-compliant vehicles.
Transport for NSW secretary Josh Murray emphasized that e-bikes must behave like bicycles, not motorcycles, and warned that riders of illegal bikes risk losing their vehicles. He described the operation as part of a broader effort to keep all road users safe under the upgraded laws.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Most ebike riders do the right thing and comply with the rules; however, police will enforce [the] new legislation if people ride non-compliant vehicles,” — David Driver, assistant commissioner
- “We can put an ebike on a machine and test its power and speed very quickly,” — David Driver, assistant commissioner
- “We are serious about ebike safety and operations like this will continue by NSW police with support from Transport for NSW to ensure all road users are safe and complying with the state’s upgraded laws,” — Josh Murray
What’s Next
Police have indicated that additional enforcement actions will be conducted statewide in the weeks ahead. Owners of seized bikes must notify authorities within the 14-day period if the bike was stolen; otherwise the vehicles will be crushed as stipulated by the new legislation.