Police have seized 36 allegedly illegal and modified e-bikes during a major enforcement operation across Sydney’s Northern Beaches, marking the first joint crackdown conducted under New South Wales’ strict new seizure laws.
NSW Police and Transport for NSW officers carried out the operation on Friday, September 11, targeting Manly, Curl Curl, Dee Why, Avalon and surrounding areas following reports of dangerous and reckless e-bike use.
The operation involved officers from the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Northern Beaches Police Area Command and the Bike Coordination and Training Unit.
Among the vehicles seized was an e-bike ridden by a 14-year-old boy at Warriewood. Police allege the bike was capable of travelling at more than 90 kilometres per hour—well above the permitted assisted speed for a legal e-bike.
Officers also stopped a food-delivery rider whose e-bike was allegedly modified and non-compliant.
Portable dynamometers were used to test suspicious vehicles. Three of the seized e-bikes were identified as non-compliant during the speed-testing process.
Police issued 16 penalty notices and 46 cautions for offences including failing to wear a helmet and using a mobile phone while riding.
Amendments to the NSW Road Transport Act became enforceable on August 21, 2026. The laws allow police and authorised transport officers to seize illegal, modified or excessively powerful e-bikes used in public places. Transport for NSW can subsequently destroy non-compliant vehicles.
The legislation targets high-powered and throttle-operated devices that function more like motorcycles than bicycles.
A road-legal e-bike must comply with power and operating requirements, including cutting motor assistance at 25km/h. A vehicle capable of operating like a motorcycle may require registration, insurance and an appropriately licensed rider.
Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray warned that riders could permanently lose non-compliant bikes.
“E-bikes must behave like bicycles, not motorcycles,” he said, urging parents to confirm that a bike is road-legal before allowing a child to ride it.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Assistant Commissioner David Driver said most riders followed the rules, but police would use the new legislation against people operating non-compliant vehicles.
Authorities said enforcement and community-education operations would continue across NSW as concerns grow about high-speed e-bikes endangering riders, pedestrians and other road users.
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