Thirty-six e-bikes were seized across the Northern Beaches last night following the first NSW Police and Transport for NSW joint operation since new laws came into effect.
On 21 August 2026, amendments to the Road Transport Act 2013 became enforceable; allowing illegal, modified or high-powered e-bikes, other non-registerable motor vehicles, and unregistered registerable vehicles used in public places to be seized and destroyed.
In a joint operation between Transport for NSW and Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, with the assistance of Northern Beaches Police Area Command and the Bike Coordination and Training Unit, officers patrolled Manly, Curl Curl, Dee Why and Avalon yesterday (Friday 11 September 2016), targeting illegal, modified and high-powered e-bike use in the Northern Beaches area.
A speed-testing dynomometer was also used to assist officers test suspect devices.
Police claimed the Northern Beaches locations were identified following recent incidents of illegal, dangerous and reckless e-bike use.
During the operation, police seized 36 e-bikes, with three e-bikes identified as non-compliant on the dynamometer.
Police also issued 16 penalty notices and 46 cautions for various offences including helmet and mobile phone offences.
In addition, police officers and Transport for NSW officers conducted education and community engagement.
Of note, an e-bike capable of allegedly reaching speeds of more than 90 km/h was seized from a 14-year-old boy at Warriewood.
A food delivery rider was stopped and an inspection of the e-bike revealed it was allegedly modified and non-compliant.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner David Driver, encouraged riders to ensure their bike was road legal.
“Riders need to ensure their e-bike complies with legislation and that when they ride that they comply with the rules about where they can and cannot ride their e-bikes,” Assistant Commissioner Driver said.
“Most e-bike riders do the right thing and comply with the rules; however, police will enforce with new legislation if people ride non-compliant vehicles.”
Transport Secretary, Josh Murray said the majority of people using e-bikes on NSW roads were using them legally and safely, but there were a small number who ignore the rules and our warnings, and they endangered other road users as a result.
“We are serious about e-bike safety and operations like this will continue by NSW Police with support from Transport for NSW to ensure all road users are safe and complying with the state’s upgraded laws,” Mr Murray said.
“E-bikes must behave like bicycles, not motorcycles. If your bike can operate like a motorcycle under throttle or go more than 25 kilometres an hour while being powered, it is not legal to ride in public.
“Before you or your child jumps on an e-bike, please make sure it’s road-legal, otherwise you risk losing the bike.”
Manly Observer requested further information after some riders claimed their bike was seized because of a minor traffic infringement. However, it was clarified that only bikes that were non compliant or had been modified to be non compliant were seized; everyone else was given either a fine or a caution. Bike owners have 14 days to appeal to have their bike returned, though it will only be granted in exceptional circumstances such as if the bike had been stolen.
For more information on e-bike rules and requirements, visit https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/bicycle-riders/ebikes
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