Coolum Beach police combat illegal e-bikes in Operation Overwatch
Despite police efforts to educate children on the laws and safety surrounding e-bikes, reports of dangerous behaviour and illegal devices continue to roll in.
Police are urging for parents to help keep their children safe after several incidents involving illegal e-bikes on the Sunshine Coast.
It was revealed in a police statement Operation Overwatch has been underway and is focused on reducing dangerous and illegal e-motorcycle behaviour in the Coolum Beach area.
Police continue to take on engagement, education and enforcement initiatives to improve community awareness and compliance surrounding e-mobility devices.
This includes school presentations, community safety days, question-and-answer sessions and drone operations to identify offenders.
Despite significant efforts, police continue to receive reports of young people riding illegal e-bikes in a “dangerous and antisocial manner”, the statement reads.
Sergeant Bryant from Coolum Beach Police Station said some of the behaviour was deeply concerning and it was “disappointing and frustrating” to see parents not monitoring their children on these devices.
“There are illegal e-bikes and conventional bikes that have been modified with retrofitted battery pack conversion kits in our community that are capable of travelling at speeds of up to 100 kilometres per hour,” Sergeant Bryant said.
“Allowing a child, and therefore inexperienced and unlicensed driver, access to such a powerful vehicle places their lives at risk, as well as the safety of the wider community.”
Sergeant Bryant said illegal e-bikes may meet the requirements to be classed as a motorbike, which means any child who rides such a device on public roads is unlicensed, unregistered and uninsured.
“If you wouldn’t let your underaged child ride a Harley-Davidson, don’t let them ride an illegal e-motorbike,” he said.
Sergeant Bryant urged parents to help keep their children safe by adhering to e-bike rules, knowing the capacity of their e-bikes and ensuring the child is riding in a safe manner.
“As parents, if you allow your child to ride an illegal e-bike you can also be charged for permitting your child to ride an illegal e-motorcycle unlicensed, unregistered, and uninsured which may result in a court appearance,” he said.
Sergeant Bryant also urged all residents to report unsafe or illegal behaviour to police.
“Police will continue enforcement and education activities under Operation Overwatch as they work towards reducing road trauma and increasing community safety,” he said.
“Expect to see police anywhere and at anytime, including a knock at your door if we have identified you or your child as an offender.”
