Hidden danger lurking under Christmas trees this year
Millions of Aussies have been warned about a hidden danger that may be lurking under their Christmas tree this year.
Aussie parents have been warned about the risk of children suffering serious injury this Christmas following the proliferation of e-bikes and the dangers posed by illegal, overpowered models.
E-bikes and e-scooters have exploded in popularity but it has also led to a surge in injuries and accidents involving the vehicles.
One hospital on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast between January 2023 and December 2024 treated 176 people - about one every four days - for injuries suffered in e-bike crashes and falls, according to a study in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health.
In Queensland, 17-year-old Hudson Gagg died when he was involved in an e-bike accident on the Gold Coast in September.
His family is now calling for greater regulation and safety reforms.
The Queensland government is holding a parliamentary inquiry into e-bike and e-scooter safety, which is due to report its findings in March.
In NSW last week, one e-bike rider was killed and another was critically injured after being involved in separate accidents.
The causes of both accidents are being investigated by NSW police.
On Tuesday, a man in his 30s died after the e-bike he was riding was involved in a collision with a garbage truck at Ultimo in inner Sydney.
In a separate incident, a man in his 50s was left fighting for his life after his e-bike was involved in a collision with a truck on Sydney’s northern beaches.
Authorities have issued warnings about the dangers of illegal and high powered e-bikes making their way under Christmas trees in the next several weeks.
“If you are considering buying an e-bike for Christmas, make sure it complies with NSW law,” NSW Police Assistant Commissioner David Driver said.
“Don’t get pressured by your children, peers or salespeople into buying the most powerful bike.
“Police don’t want someone to make a mistake that costs them their life or causes them serious injury.”
E-bikes are governed by strict rules in NSW.
The rider must propel the bikes with the pedals and motors are only to assist when riding uphill or into a headwind.
As well, the motor must cut out when the bike reaches 25km/h.
It has been estimated that there are 600,000 e-bikes in NSW, and many more are expected to be given as gifts this Christmas.
The NSW government has moved to place power restrictions on e-bikes, with legislation to impose 250 watt power limits, reducing previous changes which put in place a 500-watt limit.
The Australian government has committed to putting in place import requirements that e-bikes sold in Australia meet the “EN 15194” European safety standards.
It has prompted a warning from the NSW government for parents about e-bike safety and the dangers of some highly-powered vehicles on the market.
“E-bikes are fantastic for getting kids outside, active and independent but they need to be safe,” Transport Minister John Graham said.
“We’re seeing devices on the market that are far too powerful, too easy to modify and too hard for parents to assess.
“This is about making sure the bike your teenager rides behaves like a bike, not a motorbike.
“Our message to parents is simple: check the sticker, check the wattage, and have a conversation with your kids about staying safe.”
Originally published as Hidden danger lurking under Christmas trees this year
