The NSW Government is preparing major reforms that would allow Police to seize and crush illegal e‑bikes, targeting high‑powered models that perform more like motorbikes than bicycles.
Authorities say the tougher powers are needed amid growing safety concerns, with throttle‑only and modified devices contributing to serious injuries, anti‑social riding and frustration within communities, especially in the Upper Hunter.
Under the proposed changes, NSW Police will have access to portable dyno units capable of testing whether an e‑bike complies with the state’s legal requirements, including the mandatory cut‑out of power assistance at 25 km/h. If a device fails the test, officers will be empowered to crush it to prevent it returning to the road.
The Government warns that many devices being sold and marketed as e‑bikes are in fact illegal electric motorbikes, often with excessive power output or doctored speed limiters. Parents are being urged to check product specifications before buying bikes for children.
The reforms are being modelled partly on Western Australia, where dozens of non‑compliant devices have already been confiscated and destroyed. Further measures to improve safety and strengthen enforcement are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
“We’ve heard loud and clear the concern in the community about souped-up e-bikes and the anti-social behaviour that seems to go hand in hand with them,” said Minister for Transport John Graham.
“Riders and owners of illegal e-bikes should now hear us loud and clear: If you are breaking the rules, and your bike does not meet the very clear specifications of a pedal-assisted e-bike, expect it to be removed from your possession and crushed.”
Upper Hunter Councillor Troy Stolz believes crushing these bikes is the wrong approach.
“We should be getting these bikes off the road and onto old country dirt and bitumen tracks,” he said.
“It’ll kick-start tourism and bring revenue into small country towns by creating e-bike racing in NSW. Engage with go carts, bike clubs etc.
“Don’t crush them.”
