🚨 E-Bike Crackdown Hits Dee Why, Dozens Fined

A recent month-long police operation, dubbed Operation Kilowatt, has seen authorities crack down on illegal e-bike use across Sydney's Northern Beaches, with significant enforcement in areas including Dee Why, Avalon, and Manly.

Conducted by officers from the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command's North Sydney Sector, the operation ran from June 17 to July 15, focusing on high-visibility enforcement, education, and community engagement. During this period, 305 e-bike compliance checks were carried out, leading to the identification of 28 e-bikes that did not comply with current legislation, primarily due to modifications.

In total, 32 penalty notices were issued for various offences, including riders not wearing a securely fitted helmet or using a mobile phone while riding. Additionally, police issued 29 warnings to young people under the age of 14, and 29 individuals over 14 received official warnings under the Young Offenders Act. More than 30 adults over 18 were given cautions.

Assistant Commissioner David Driver, Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, highlighted the growing popularity of e-bikes and the community concerns arising from their misuse. He emphasised that these specific enforcement operations are conducted in addition to regular patrols, with a strong focus on educating riders about the distinctions between legal and illegal e-bikes.

Assistant Commissioner Driver reminded parents that e-bike riders must adhere to the same rules as bicycle riders. He urged them to ensure any e-bike purchased for their child is not unlawfully modified and complies with Australian law. Illegally modified e-bikes, which often become the primary source of propulsion rather than pedal-assist, pose significant risks, especially in pedestrian and heavy traffic areas.

Key E-Bike Rules and Penalties

• E-bikes must primarily be propelled by pedals, with motor assistance for hills or headwinds.
• Maximum power output for compliant e-bikes is 500 watts, and the motor must cut off at 25km/h.
• All riders and passengers must wear an approved helmet, securely fitted and fastened.
• Only children under 16, or adults accompanying them, can ride on footpaths (unless prohibited).
• Mobile phones must be hands-free or secured in a holder; texting, video calls, social media use, and taking photos/videos while riding are illegal.
• Fines include $818 for illegal e-bike use, $410 for not wearing an approved helmet, and $410 for holding a mobile phone. Riding under the influence can lead to more severe penalties.

Local police in Dee Why continue to encourage safe and legal e-bike use to ensure the safety of all road and path users in our community.