THERE has been a steady rumble from the streets of Coffs Harbour and suburbs from pedestrians who have been bumped, buzzed, beeped at or berated by e-bike riders travelling at what seem to be excessive speeds.
News Of The Area has written stories, fielded phone calls and published Letters to the Editor to shine a light on the issue, as did media representatives from across the state.
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.
It seems, at last, that this new legislation has taken effect, and we may expect, at some point, enforceable actions to take place to improve pedestrian safety on our streets and sidewalks.
Last weekend, 36 illegal e-bikes were seized in Sydney.
In a joint operation between Transport for NSW and Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, officers targeted illegal, modified and high-powered e-bike use in Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
A speed-testing dynamometer was also used to test suspect e-bikes.
Northern Beaches locations were identified following recent incidents of illegal, dangerous and reckless e-bike use.
Police seized 36 e-bikes, including three e-bikes that were identified as non-compliant on the dynamometer.
They 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.
“Riders need to ensure their e-bike complies with legislation and that when they ride they comply with the rules about where they can and cannot ride e-bikes,” Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner David Driver said.
“Most e-bike riders do the right thing and comply with the rules; however, police will enforce new legislation if people ride non-compliant vehicles.”
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,” NSW Transport Secretary Josh Murray said.
“Before you or your child jumps on an e-bike, please make sure it’s road-legal. Otherwise you risk losing it.”
For more information on e-bike rules and requirements, visit https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/bicycle-riders/ebikes
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