Operation Elektra returns to the Gold Coast for enforcement

Gold Coast police have intercepted two young boys riding a dangerously modified electric bike without brakes. Read the latest

Two children have been busted by Gold Coast police on a dangerous makeshift electric bike with no brake and travelling at speed.

The alarming discovery was made on Sunday by officers attached to Operation Elektra – an enforcement blitz targeting unsafe and unlawful use of personal mobility devices (PMDs) and electric-powered assisted cycles (EPACs).

Two 10-year-old boys were stopped while doubling on a pushbike which had been modified with an electric motor kit. It had no working brakes and a duct-taped battery. The juveniles were travelling at speeds of 40km/h, according to Gold Coast Highway Patrol Senior Sergeant Steve Young, who said they told police they were using their feet to slow the bike.

“A lot of the young people we spoke to simply didn’t know what the rules were for e-bikes and scooters,” he said.

“That’s why we’re taking an education-first approach – issuing QR codes linking directly to the relevant legislation. While we’re committed to keeping the community safe, it’s also about helping parents and kids understand what’s legal and what isn’t.”

In a separate incident, police charged a 48-year-old man who was riding a PMD after he allegedly returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.161, more than three times the legal limit.

Nine juveniles were busted riding unregistered or unlicensed electric motorbikes and received official cautions. In five cases, their parents were called to collect them. Thirteen infringement notices were also issued.