Mackay police issue numerous fines for illegal e-bikes

One parent copped $700 in infringement notices for allegedly letting their teenage son ride an illegal e-bike.

Police have cracked down on illegal e-bikes after seeing a “concerning increase” in children, some as young as 12, riding in Mackay.

A new targeted program dubbed Operation Wolfking was has been carried out to identify, disrupt and prevent the illegal use of electric motorcycles and bolster road safety in the Mackay area.

One East-Mackay parent has already copped $700 in fines after allegedly letting his 15-year-old son ride a modified e-bike.

One parent faced $700 in fines for letting his teenage son ride an illegal e-bike. Photo: Police Media

Police have also charged six people with 24 offences, including driving unlicensed, driving uninsured, driving unregistered, and driving a defective vehicle.

Those charged, aged between 13 and 16, received a notice of caution.

Mackay Whitsunday District Highway Patrol Officer in Charge, Senior Sergeant Shane Edwards, said there was a concerning increase in young e-bike riders in the area.

“We are seeing frequent instances of children sometimes as young as 12 riding high-powered non-compliant electric motorcycles, sometimes on busy streets around towns,” he said.

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, and we will be addressing the dangerous and illegal use of e-bikes in our communities to ensure no one is seriously injured or killed.”

Senior Sergeant Edwards said the operation will also aim to provide children and parents with a better understanding of the road rules and legislation surrounding e-bikes within the district.

Residents are being informed to contact police for any relevant information via Policelink.

Originally published as Mackay police issue numerous fines for illegal e-bikes