During a month-long operation in Sydney's Northern Beaches, police identified 28 non-compliant e-bikes and issued 32 fines.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Command's North Sydney sector officers led six deployments as part of 'Operation Kilowatt' from 17 June 2025 to 15 July 2025 at Avon, Manly and Dee Why.
The operation focused on high-visibility enforcement, education and community engagement.
Police conducted 305 e-bike compliance checks and identified 28 illegal e-bikes: bikes that had been modified or adjusted to exceed legal limits.
They also issued 32 penalty notices for offences including not wearing a secured helmet or using a mobile phone while riding.
Police issued 29 warnings to young people under 14, while 29 young people aged 14–18 were issued with official warnings under the Young Offenders Act. More than 30 people aged over 18 were given cautions.
The crackdown follows several similar e-bike police operations across the state in the past year.
Across New South Wales there have been two deaths involving e-bikes in the past two years.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner David Driver, said e-bikes had grown in popularity in recent years, with some community members raising concerns about them.
"Police commonly see illegal and modified e-bikes where the motor becomes the primary source of propelling the bike – essentially making it a motorbike," he said.
"The use of unlawfully modified e-bikes creates a significant risk when used in pedestrian or heavy traffic areas.
"Young people and adults need to understand these risks when riding an e-bike, so they do not become a danger to themselves and others."
To be legal in the state of New South Wales, e-bikes must have a maximum power output of 500 watts and an electric motor must cut off when the bicycle reaches a speed of 25km/h.
Only children under 16 years of age or adults accompanying children under 16 can ride on footpaths.
Texting, video calling, taking photos/videos and using social media is illegal while riding. Mobile phones must be hands-free or secured in a commercially manufactured phone holder fixed to the bike.
All riders and passengers must wear approved, securely fastened helmets and give way to pedestrians on shared paths and footpaths.
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