Aussies fume as tourist escapes over $2,200 in fines for silly e-bike blunder

Many claim this is just another reason why these modes of transportation should be banned.  

E-bikes. They're the mode of transportation that has caused a lot of divide in Australia, and one British tourist has added another reason why people think they have no place on our roads. All thanks to a silly mistake that put her in serious danger on our roads. 

Louise, who shared her experience on TikTok, recently nabbed an e-bike to ride around Sydney when she was caught in an unfortunate situation. 

What was meant to be a leisurely ride to see the sites, turned into chaos as she 'accidentally' ventured into peak hour traffic in the motorway approaching Sydney's Anzac Bridge. 

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An epic e-bike mistake. Image: TikTok / @emma.louisee

"People are beeping me!"

Louise was caught in the middle strip of the motorway with traffic zooming past on both sides when she decided to stop (naturally)... and film the whole thing.

"I'm doing a video because only I would do this. So I'm in Australia and I'm on an electric bike. I put the map in where I want to go and I did it for walking, but because I'm riding on my bike, it reads that I'm in a car so it takes me onto the motorway," she explains to her TikTok followers, visibly embarrassed by her silly mistake. 

"Look, all these cars! People are beeping me," she adds. "I literally don't know what to do."

@emma.louisee

story of my life thank you @Transport for NSW for saving me

♬ original sound - louise

The tourist went on to say that she had called the police, who said that they would send a car over to help her. Although grateful, she then claimed she was now freaking out over the fact that she could cop a hefty fine for a second silly mistake - not wearing a helmet. 

Shortly after declaring that she would be "getting the bus next time" and picking up the e-bike to navigate her way out of the tunnel on her own, the woman realised a tow truck was pulling up to offer some help. 

A caring gent from transport NSW, stopped traffic and rescued Louise from danger, a service offered for "free" from the government he is heard explaining in the clip. 

RELATED: Tourist exposes dangerous signage on Aussie roads

Help is on the way, dear! Image: TikTok / @emma.louisee

Aussie taxpayers aren't impressed

While relieved no one was hurt, many followers were fuming over the fact that tax payer money is going to helping people like this who aren't clear on Aussie road rules. 

"A full tow truck for a lime bike," one person raged after spotting the snippet of the bike mounted on the back of the truck after the rescue. 

"It's not free. Our taxes pay for this," one person chimed in.

And another agreed: "Wasting tax payers money for not choosing the right map some people have no brainer.."

"Do you not read the signs that say no cyclists in tunnel, including the bikes?" another person questioned.

Some applauded Louise for how she reacted to what was undoubtedly a stressful situation. 

"You did so well. 1. Stop when you realised you were stuck. 2. Didn't continue and cause an accident. 3. Called for help. You rock," one person commented.

"Aww these workers were so so sweet. Good on you for calling help and not risking it. It’s funny and embarrassing but you definitely did the right thing."

Others claimed this is just another reason why e-bikes should be banned. 

"I hate these bikes so much, I've read too many dangerous stories about all kinds - including these ones that are available to the public and private use," a mum told Kidspot. 

"They need to be banned," another parent added. 

RELATED: Woman fined for taking her kid to school on e-bike

Ongoing concern over e-bikes on roads

According to the Transport for NSW website, Louise would've copped a $410 fine for riding a bike without the protection of a helmet. 

Thanks to her rescuers, she managed to avoid the fine from the police, as well as another hefty fine of up to $2,200 for illegally riding an e-bike in a motorway. 

While she insists it was a simple error, Lime Bikes' rules clearly state that their bikes are not permitted on motorways in Sydney, as well as other "no go zones". 

"Lime vehicles are not allowed in No Go zones, which are indicated on the map by red shading and a restricted symbol. If you enter a No Go zone, your vehicle will gradually come to a stop," the website states. 

Lucky for Louise, she (and her bank account) managed to escape unharmed. 

Originally published as Aussies fume as tourist escapes over $2,200 in fines for silly e-bike blunder