Key facts
- NSW crushed 23 illegal ebikes seized under new laws.
- St. Vincent's Hospital saw a 22% increase in ebike injuries, with 42% requiring trauma response.
- Injuries often include fractures, internal bleeding, and head trauma.
- New laws restrict ebikes to 25km/h, with a 500-watt maximum continuous power limit.
- One seized ebike was capable of speeds over 90km/h.
In New South Wales, the first illegal electric bikes seized under new regulations were crushed on Thursday, marking a crackdown on non-compliant e-mobility devices. The NSW government destroyed 23 ebikes at a wrecking yard in western Sydney, with police still assessing the return of 13 others seized in September.
Transport Minister John Graham stated the tough new laws were necessary due to "bad behaviour" observed on roads and public spaces. This action coincides with a warning from St. Vincent's Hospital in Sydney, which reported a 22% increase in ebike-related injuries between January and July. Of these incidents, 42% required a trauma response, and a significant portion of riders were found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, speeding, or not wearing helmets.
Dr. Ed Lewis, acting head of rehabilitation medicine at the hospital, described injuries ranging from fractures and internal bleeding to severe head trauma and concussions, urging riders to have a "plan B" if considering riding while impaired. He emphasized respecting the speed and power of ebikes, wearing helmets, and avoiding riding under the influence.
Graham acknowledged the rising injury numbers but contextualized them as still lower than car-related incidents. He highlighted the danger of not wearing a helmet. The crushed bikes included one capable of over 90km/h, a food delivery bike, and others with tampered speed restrictions. The government's new powers, effective since August, target bikes exceeding 25km/h, with a 500-watt power limit (reducing to 250 watts in 2029).
The surge in injuries and high-profile incidents, such as a swarm of about 40 ebikes on the Sydney Harbour Bridge in February, prompted the regulatory changes. The government is also examining an age limit for ebike riders, with Premier Chris Minns having previously mentioned a potential age of 12, though details are still under discussion.