Burleigh MP Hermann Vorster says Gold Coast needs to crack down on illegal e-bikes

Along our paths, in our parks and on our roads – the e-bike scourge is putting Gold Coast residents at risk. This is what we need to do about it.

The term ‘e-bike’ is often used to describe both legal electric bicycles and illegal e-motorcycles, leading to confusion among the public.

However, it’s crucial we don’t paint both with the same brush.

E-bicycles are legal, predominantly pedal powered with a motor that aids only and travels at low speeds of up to 6 km/h, with a motor no more than 250 watts.

However, illegal e-motorbikes — which have high-speed motors and no pedals — are a different story entirely. These vehicles pose serious safety risks and are banned from public use.

With my full support, Queensland Police Service last week launched Operation Elektra targeting illegal e-bikes across the southern Gold Coast.

The dangerous and illegal use of e-motorbikes has become more prevalent on the Gold Coast in recent years. Supplied: Queensland Police

Burleigh MP Hermann Vorster says Gold Coast needs to crack down on illegal e-bikes. The bikes are the predominantly pedal powered e-bikes.

This crackdown follows rising community concern about illegal e-bikes putting lives on the line – along our paths, in our parks and on our roads.

It isn’t hard to imagine what could go wrong when a child weaves through traffic, standing with one foot on the seat, popping a ‘wheelie’ while wearing no helmet.

Every time I see it my blood runs cold just before it starts to boil. As a parent, I worry about these kids. As a road user, the wanton rule-breaking is enraging.

This is not innocent fun. The risks are real. It could end in tragedy for the families and horrific trauma for those first responders called to help.

The former Labor State Government failed to act when concerns were first raised about illegal e-bikes, and they allowed a small issue to become an entrenched problem.

Here in the southern Gold Coast, residents have now had enough and have shared their ideas about what should be done to avoid more tragedy.

The Crisafulli LNP Government is listening and has already taken steps to tackle the problem at a regulatory and cultural level.

Hermann Vorster, Assistant Minister for Multicultural Affairs and International Student Attraction at Parliament House. Picture: Richard Walker

Most significantly, the Transport Minister has now written to the Commonwealth Government demanding illegal e-bikes be stopped at the border.

This is a sensible measure that could reduce the burden on our hardworking police, health workers and schools whose energies are needed elsewhere.

Meanwhile, we are supporting targeted enforcement campaigns around schools and active travel corridors. Hefty fines are being issued and illegal e-bikes impounded.

The Crisafulli LNP Government is also ramping up efforts to educate the industry about the difference between legal and illegal e-bikes so there can be no excuses.

Speaking personally, I believe the greatest change will come when parents help their children make better choices. If not for their safety, then for financial reasons.

Riders of illegal e-bikes can face significant penalties, including fines of more than $1580 and three demerit points, and be charged.

These consequences can also extend to parents who permit their children to ride illegal e-bikes.

Then there is the cost of collecting an impounded bike which can be more than $1000.

As we move forward, it’s crucial that we tackle the illegal e-bike problem head-on, balancing enforcement with education, to protect our children and our community.

Hermann Vorster is the State Member for Burleigh

Originally published as Burleigh MP Hermann Vorster says Gold Coast needs to crack down on illegal e-bikes