Teens riding non-compliant e-bikes at Coolangatta pulled up by Gold Coast police
Three teenagers have been pulled over by police for riding non-compliant e-bikes on the southern Gold Coast.
A group of teenagers were pulled over by police on the southern Gold Coast after they were found to be riding non-compliant e-bikes.
Footage released by Queensland Police shows officers pull over three teenagers at 12.43pm on November 9 at Coolangatta.
“What do you guys know about what you’re riding,” an officer asks the group.
“(Are they) e-bikes or motorbikes? What do you reckon?”
The officer asks one of the teens to pull the throttle of the device.
The teenager then asks the officer what classifies his device as a motorbike.
“If it’s an e-bike, it’s got to meet certain criteria,” the officer responds.
“The electric motor is supposed to allow you to get started with the throttle, up to a maximum of 6km/h then you’re supposed to start pedalling and it will help you get to up to 25km/h while you’re pedalling.
“If it can do more than that, it’s not an e-bike.
“These things are hugely popular, lots of young people are riding these at the moment
“I get it, they’re fun and what not but keep off the road with them.
“That’s when people are being injured.”
The vision was released as part of Operation X-Ray Surety, which aimed to reduce road trauma across the state.
A 16-year-old boy was also pulled up by officers for riding a non-compliant e-bike on the New England Highway near Stanthorpe on November 20.
Thirteen people have lost their lives while riding e-mobility devices on Queensland roads this year.
Police are urging parents to learn and understand their legal responsibilities when considering buying an e-mobility device for their child this Christmas.
Road Policing Group Chief Superintendent Mark Wheeler said while e-scooters and e-bikes could be exciting gifts, they required active parental oversight and not a “set-and-forget” approach.
“E-scooters and e-bikes might look like the perfect Christmas surprise, but they come with responsibilities,” he said.
“Buying an e-mobility device doesn’t give your child free rein to ride it whenever or however they want – it means you, as the parent or carer, need to know the rules and supervise them appropriately.
“Supervision isn’t optional, it’s part of keeping them safe.
“If a young rider breaks the rules, it will not only result in enforcement action, but it is dangerous to themselves and other road and pathway users.”
Police have reminded families that these devices were not toys and riders must be wearing an approved helmet, follow the road rules and be aware of their surroundings.
Supt Wheeler said police were continuing patrols to keep riders safe.
“If you choose to gift (an e-mobility device) this Christmas, pair it with supervision, guidance and an understanding of the rules – that’s the best present you can give your child,” he said.
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Originally published as Teens riding non-compliant e-bikes at Coolangatta pulled up by Gold Coast police
