Gympie and Maryborough police, with the assistance of Highway Patrol, are targeting the illegal use of e-bikes and motorbikes (petrol powered bicycles) in the Wide Bay Burnett district.
Local police are acting on the community’s concerns regarding the risk that illegal and dangerous use of e-bikes causes to the safety of other road users, including pedestrians.
Officers from Gympie Highway Patrol intercepted a teenage boy allegedly driving a homemade motorbike in Gympie on 15 July.
Police will allege the motorbike had been created by modifying a BMX bike frame to remove pedals and add electric motors controlled by a throttle.
Police will also allege each electric motor was capable of over 1000 watts.
To be considered an e-bike, and for an e-bike to be legally used on public roads and footpaths, pedals must be the primary source of power, the motor must only provide assistance up to 25km/h and the maximum continuous motor output must be 250 watts or under.
Wide Bay Burnett District Inspector Shane Draper said it is illegal to ride your device on a public road or footpath if it has an internal combustion engine or if its throttle powered only, or has a motor powered at more than 250 watts.
“The modifications made to the bike intercepted in Gympie have resulted in the bike being recognised as a motorbike without indicators, lights, reflectors, bell or brakes,” Inspector Draper said.
“As this is considered a motorbike, the vehicle required registration and insurance and the boy required a drivers license.”
A 15-year-old Gympie boy has been charged with one count each of driving of motor vehicle without a driver licence, vehicles used on roads must be registered and drive uninsured vehicle.
He has been issued with a notice to appear in Gympie Childrens Court on August 14.
Inspector Draper said modifying a push bike or electric bike can create a dangerous device.
“A powerful bike in the hands of an unlicenced and inexperienced driver is extremely dangerous to not only the rider, but also the other road users,” Inspector Draper said.
“Beyond enforcement, police are committed to educating the community about the dos and don’ts regarding e-bikes to ensure they’re empowered to make smart decisions on the road.
“I especially urge parents to be familiar with the regulations and road rules regarding e-bikes and to work with their child to understand and respect those rules.
“This is all aimed at reducing the significant road trauma, fatalities and life-changing injuries we have seen from the use of the e-bikes.
“I encourage the community to report any illegal or dangerous use of e-bikes to police via Policelink or Crime Stoppers with a photo or video of the alleged offences.
“Otherwise, if it is a life-threating emergency, please call Triple Zero (000) immediately.”
For more information on riding e-bikes: streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au/electric-bikes/
