Police Overpowering Illegal E-Bikes
A major crackdown on e-bikes has led to hundreds of intercepts and fines for riders breaking the rules. Operation Consider launched last month with Victoria Police’s State Highway Patrol, Solo Unit and North West Metro Bike Patrol working together. Officers patrolled Melbourne’s CBD on bicycles, motorcycles, foot, and in highway patrol vehicles.
Across August, police intercepted 274 road users including 135 e-bikes, 30 bicycles and 17 petrol motorcycles. Another 71 cars, 18 e-scooters and three pedestrians were also caught committing safety offences.
Overpowered E-Bikes Make Up Majority of Offences
More than half of e-bikes intercepted were overpowered, classifying them as unregistered motorcycles. Police confirmed that 44 per cent of riders were unlicensed. An overpowered e-bike is legally considered a motorcycle and requires both registration and a valid motorcycle license. Riding one without compliance can result in a $1018 fine for using an unregistered vehicle.
Police issued 257 infringements during the operation, including 85 helmet offences, 70 unregistered vehicle offences, 60 unlicensed driver offences, 14 disobeying traffic signals, 10 unsafe riding offences, 9 riding on footpaths. 6 mobile phone offences, 3 miscellaneous offences.
E-Bike Riders Urged to Know the Rules
To be road legal, an e-bike must meet strict requirements.
Electrically Powered Assisted Cycles (EPACs) must not exceed 250 watts and are capped at 25km/h. Riders must pedal to access motor power.
Power-assisted bicycles must not exceed 200 watts and may use a throttle, but the motor cannot replace pedaling entirely.
Any e-bike exceeding those limits is overpowered and legally a motorcycle.
Police Warn Riders Ahead of School Holidays
Police will continue e-bike enforcement during the school holidays. Parents and riders are urged to familiarize themselves with the laws before riding. Road Policing Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir said most intercepted e-bikes were overpowered and unregistered.
“This indicates a lack of understanding, or disregard, for compliance when it comes to e-bikes,” he said.
“The onus is on riders to ensure their bike meets the legal requirements and that they follow road rules. That means wearing a helmet, obeying traffic signals and never using a phone while riding.
“We will educate riders where possible, but blatant breaches will be enforced—especially when they risk other road users’ safety.”
