Case Explained: New Australian law to crush e-bike crime – Legal Perspective

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

New laws that give New South Wales (NSW) Police and Transport for NSW powers to seize and crush illegal e-bikes are being introduced to State Parliament today, as part of a crackdown on dangerous and anti-social e-bike use. 

The Road Transport Amendment (Non-registrable Motor Vehicles) Bill 2026 targets throttle-only, high-powered e-motorbikes that the Government says are fuelling dangerous anti-social behaviour, community frustration and serious injuries.

NSW will be the first state to introduce roadside dyno units, which are able to test if an e-bike can go faster than the 25 km/h limit – giving law enforcement more tools to take illegal bikes off the road and into the crusher.

Essentially if an e-bike is performing like a motorbike, it can be seized and crushed.

“We’re a big step closer to seizing and crushing dangerous e-bikes today, which is a step towards making the people of NSW safer,” said Minister for Transport, John Graham.

“We don’t want to discourage safe and healthy e-bike use, but we do want to discourage dangerous and illegal e-motorbike use – and these powers will do exactly that.

“If it behaves like a motorbike, it’s probably illegal and could end up in the crusher. So the message is simple, don’t buy an illegal e-bike.”

“This legislation gives police and transport officers the powers they need to efficiently and permanently remove these devices from our streets and public places.”

The legislation will significantly enhance enforcement capability by extending seizure powers to Police and Transport Authorised Officers.

Minister for Police and Counter-Terrorism, Yasmin Catley said it was important that Police had the right tools to respond to illegal e-bikes.

“These changes mean police can step in and seize e-bikes being used dangerously or illegally so risks can be dealt with straight away,” she said.

“It’s about backing police to use their judgement and keeping people safe, while also making it clear that unsafe behaviour on our roads won’t be ignored.”

The NSW Government is reminding parents to double-check before buying an e-bike for their child. Not all e-bikes sold in shops are legal on our streets.

Many devices being marketed as e-bikes are in fact illegal electric motorbikes, with throttle operation without pedalling above 6km/h, excessive power output or modified speed limiters.

If a device does not meet NSW’s legal definition of a pedal-assisted e-bike, it can be seized and crushed even if it was bought in error.

Minister for Roads and Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison said the new laws send a very clear message – if you ride an illegal bike in a public place, you risk losing it for good.

“We know this is not just a Sydney issue. Communities across regional and rural NSW are dealing with the risks posed by illegal, overpowered e-bikes,” said Ms Aitchison.

“This is a no second chances approach. If a bike is seized because it’s being ridden illegally, there is no way for the rider or their immediate family to get it back.

“That’s why families need to make sure they are buying legal e-bikes and that they know how those bikes are being used.”