The New South Wales government has announced a crackdown on illegally modified e-bikes, granting police the power to seize and destroy any that exceed the legal speed limit. Transport Minister John Graham said on Sunday that new seizure laws will target e-bikes whose power assistance does not cut off at 25 km/h, with non-compliant bikes to be crushed.
The laws will apply to all illegally modified bikes, even if the owner was unaware of the non-compliance. The government will also invest in portable speed-testing devices, known as dyno units, to measure e-bike power output. The move expands on existing seizure laws for high-powered cars and motorcycles, which Graham described as too lengthy for dealing with e-bikes.
The announcement follows an incident where about 40 e-bikes and e-motorcycles swarmed the Sydney Harbour Bridge, with footage showing riders performing stunts. The NRMA has reported 226 e-bike-related injuries in 2024 and 233 injuries with four deaths in the first seven months of 2025, calling it a “road safety disaster.” NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury welcomed the crackdown, stating, “Paying for a funeral is more expensive.”
Graham said the laws were a direct response to community concern about “souped-up e-bikes and antisocial behaviour.” He warned, “Illegal bikes will end up as a twisted wreck.” The government will model the laws on Western Australia, which has already confiscated and crushed dozens of bikes. Further measures are expected in the coming weeks, including reducing the legal power output to 250 watts.
Police Minister Yasmin Catley said, “If your bike does not meet the rules, it will be destroyed,” and urged parents to ensure their children ride legal bikes. However, Deputy Opposition Leader Natalie Ward criticised the approach as “slow and reactionary,” arguing that it does not address rider behaviour, and called for licence plates and enforcement.
