E-Bike Crackdown Intensifies in NSW Amid Surging Safety Concerns

Recent incidents involving e-bikes, including significant damage to Sydney golf courses and an unauthorized crossing of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, have intensified public safety concerns and accelerated government responses in New South Wales. Authorities are now implementing stricter enforcement measures, including new powers for police to seize and destroy non-compliant e-bikes, amidst a documented rise in e-bike related injuries and fatalities across the state.

Key Incidents

Sydney Harbour Bridge Crossing

On a recent Tuesday afternoon, approximately 40 e-bike and motorcycle riders illegally traversed the main deck of the Sydney Harbour Bridge during peak-hour traffic. Riding any bicycle on the bridge's main deck is strictly prohibited, with a dedicated cycleway available.

New South Wales Police responded to reports near Hickson Road at approximately 4:30 pm regarding a large group riding in a manner described as dangerous. Officers located the riders on the bridge, who dispersed upon police arrival. No pursuit was initiated due to safety concerns. The group was later located at Mrs Macquarie's Chair around 5:30 pm, where they were addressed and dispersed. No injuries or property damage were reported in connection with this specific incident, and police investigations are ongoing to identify those involved, with potential serious injury or fatality cited. Online footage also indicated riders traveling south on the Western Distributor and performing stunts.

Golf Course Damage

Around 8:30 pm on a recent evening, four individuals on e-bikes allegedly cut a back fence to gain unauthorized access to Cronulla Golf Course in Sydney's south. CCTV footage captured the individuals damaging the fourth and eleventh greens.

The incident resulted in an estimated $10,000 to $20,000 in repair costs.

While the fourth green has since been repaired, the eleventh hole remained out of use for a period. This incident followed a similar event two weeks prior at Long Reef Golf Club in Collaroy, where multiple teenage e-bike riders also damaged greens.

Rising Safety Concerns and Injury Statistics

Health officials and authorities have expressed significant concerns regarding the increasing number and severity of e-bike related injuries.

St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney reported 200 e-bike related presentations requiring trauma team intervention in 2025, a significant increase from 103 in 2024 and 45 in 2023. Approximately half of these cases necessitated surgical operations, with injuries often being more severe than those from traditional bicycles due to higher speeds. This leads to trauma to the stomach, chest, and severe head injuries.

Over half of patients in 2025 required hospital admission, and nearly 10% needed intensive care.

Data covers individuals aged 15 and older, with the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network also reporting a rise in incidents among younger individuals. Patient demographics at St Vincent's primarily indicate individuals in their 30s, though observations suggest an increase in younger patients. Over half of the injuries occurred at night, frequently involving alcohol and other drugs, and over half of cases involved self-reported speeds exceeding 25 km/h.

National data reflects this alarming trend:

• New South Wales recorded 226 e-bike related injuries in 2024, with figures rising to 233 injuries and four fatalities in the first seven months of 2025.
• Preliminary police data for Queensland in 2025 indicated 239 crashes involving legal e-bikes, four of which were fatal.

Regulatory Framework and Government Response

The recent incidents have led to renewed discussions regarding e-bike regulations in Australia.

Existing Regulations

Under current New South Wales legislation, e-bikes operating solely in throttle-only mode without requiring pedaling are illegal on public roads. Additionally, road-legal e-bikes are mandated to have motors that activate only when pedaling, with speeds restricted to 25 km/h and power to 250 watts.

Regulatory Changes

The federal government tightened import standards for e-bikes in late 2025, after having relaxed them in 2021. New South Wales also reduced its permitted e-bike power limit from 500 watts to 250 watts. Premier Chris Minns noted that an estimated one million e-bikes are currently in Sydney, acknowledging the challenge of addressing the issue after a proliferation of devices. Health Minister Mark Butler called for measures to prevent the import of non-compliant e-bikes.

New Enforcement Measures

The New South Wales government has announced a series of measures to address illegal e-bike use and associated conduct, with further policy changes anticipated. These include:

• Seizure and Destruction Powers: Police will be granted new powers to seize and destroy non-compliant e-bikes that do not cease power assistance at 25 km/h. This includes vehicles whose owners may be unaware of modifications. The new laws are being drafted, modeled after similar powers in Western Australia, with anticipated implementation by August.
• Speed Detection Devices: New speed detection devices, including three portable "dyno" units, will be utilized by NSW police to verify if an e-bike's power cuts off at the 25 km/h limit.
• Streamlined Procedures: The government aims to streamline the process for seizing e-bikes, which currently involves complex procedures similar to car seizures.

Transport Minister John Graham stated these changes are the initial step in a wider reform package to ensure e-bikes are safe, legal, and fit for public use. Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison clarified that the government is not opposed to e-bike use but emphasizes safe operation and aims to modify rider behavior. Police Minister Yasmin Catley highlighted the role of parents in ensuring their children ride legal e-bikes.

Stakeholder Perspectives

NRMA: The National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA) has advocated for stronger action against illegal e-bikes and e-scooters, describing the situation as a significant road safety concern. They have called for a formal registration scheme and advised parents against purchasing illegal bikes for children, underscoring the serious nature of these devices. The NRMA also suggested granting police and council rangers authority to confiscate illegally used bikes or those ridden by underage individuals.

Bicycle NSW: This organization advocates for education over solely enforcement, proposing programs for teenagers, parents, and retailers on e-bike laws. An educational trial is underway in hundreds of schools.

Retailer Viewpoint: Tadana Maruta of Pedl bikes expressed skepticism regarding the effectiveness of power and speed limits, noting that e-bikes can still be tuned for higher speeds.

Maruta stated that products illegal for public roads (exceeding 25 km/h or with throttles without pedals) outsell road-safe versions, and warnings against their use on public streets are frequently ignored.

Opposition Response: Deputy Opposition Leader and Coalition transport spokesperson Natalie Ward described the government's announcement as a "slow, reactive and bureaucracy-first approach" that does not adequately address rider behavior. She proposed alternative measures such as compulsory license plates, enforcement, and accountability for e-bike riders.