Teens vs seniors in E-bike standoff on Sydney’s Northern Beaches

Tense footage shows an intergenerational standoff as teenagers and elderly residents face off over an E-bike on a footpath – but who is in the right?

A tense intergenerational standoff has been captured on Sydney’s Northern Beaches as teenagers and elderly residents faced off over an E-bike.

The footage from Mona Vale shows the moment two teens are stopped by several elderly residents on a footpath outside a dental centre.

An elderly man and woman proceed to stop the youths from riding any further — and are seen holding the bike as the teens appear to argue for their release.

The footage, captioned “battle of the beaches” on social media, has quickly gone viral.

A video captures a standoff between teens and elderly residents over an E-bike on a footpath in Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Picture: TikTok/ franciscolikes2disco

The footage quickly went viral, sparking a debate about the rights of cyclists on footpaths and the behaviour of both parties involved. Picture: TikTok/ franciscolikes2disco

Many appear to have taken the side of the senior citizens, but in this case, with the teen’s ages not immediately clear, both parties could have a case.

According to the New South Wales Government, cyclists (pedal or electric) are not allowed to ride on a footpath. However, children under 16 can ride on the footpath unless there is a “NO BICYCLES” sign.

In the comment section, plenty of arguments backed the case of the seniors.

“Elderly are right; it’s a footpath, it’s dangerous. Annoying they drive fast,” one wrote.

Arguments from both sides emerge in the comment section, with some supporting the elderly residents’ concerns about safety and others defending the teens’ right to ride the E-bike. Picture: TikTok/ franciscolikes2disco

The New South Wales Government regulations state that cyclists, including children under 16, are generally not allowed to ride on footpaths unless specified otherwise. Picture: TikTok/ franciscolikes2disco

Another said: “Look I don’t know what happened, but yesterday (kids) similar to these guys were zooming on an E-bike at a dog park, almost hit us, no bells or anything and off the path. If you have these, just stay on the road.”

Others, however, sided with the teens.

“Entitled old people thinking they are the police,” one wrote.

Another added, “Boomers need to admit they are bored and have nothing to do.”