Police have conducted a major e-bike crackdown this month in Melbourne's CBD, issuing hundreds of fines to riders of non-compliant e-bikes.
Operation Consider saw police patrol the streets of the CBD and surrounds on bikes, motorbikes and highway patrol vehicles.
They were particularly focused on food delivery riders using non-compliant e-bikes.
Police have issued 174 traffic infringements to non-compliant e-bike riders so far this month, including 44 for unregistered vehicles and 32 for unlicensed riders.
A non-compliant, overpowered e-bike is considered a motorbike and subject to the same road rules as other motorbikes, including licencing and registration.
Penalties for using an unregistered vehicle or unlicenced driving are each $1018.
Police also issued 40 infringements to e-bike riders failing to wear a helmet, which carries a $254 penalty.
An additional 101 infringements have been issued to road users other than e-bike riders during Operation Consider so far, including 16 cyclist offences.
Riders are reminded to check that their e-bike meets the legal criteria.
Road Policing Acting Superintendent, Craig McEvoy, said: "It is paramount all riders ensure they understand and comply with the rules before using an e-bike.
"You must ensure your e-bike does not exceed the power of speed requirements, and that you adhere to the road rules applicable to all cyclists — including wearing a helmet and using bicycle lanes.
"As we're about to head into the school holidays, we're asking all riders and also parents of children who ride e-bikes, to ensure they're familiar with the rules and using a compliant e-bike.
"Not only could you face some significant penalties, but we've also seen a lot of road trauma occur this year due to use of non-compliant e-bikes, which is completely avoidable."
Police will continue to conduct e-bike enforcement operations over the coming months.
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