Illegal e-bikes seized and crushed across NSW

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KOJI, NSW — The New South Wales government has announced a zero‑tolerance crackdown on illegal electric motorcycles after a surge in dangerous riding, injuries and deaths.
What the government is doing now
Why now?
Enforcement, equipment and coverage
Community reaction and industry support
What this means for riders and buyers
Key takeaways
FAQ
Final word

KOJI, NSW — The New South Wales government has announced a zero‑tolerance crackdown on illegal electric motorcycles after a surge in dangerous riding, injuries and deaths.

Illegal e-bikes are being targeted with new seizure and destruction powers as part of a statewide effort to make streets safer. The first 100 words explain the government's plan: stronger police powers, on‑the‑spot dyno testing and the crushing of high‑powered machines when riders break the law.

The move follows growing community alarm about modified and high‑powered electric motorcycles being ridden without helmets, in groups, and sometimes dangerously close to pedestrians and prams. Ministers told media the problem worsened after federal import changes in 2021 and a separate NSW 500‑watt law in 2023 that they say unintentionally encouraged higher‑powered imports.

Clear portrait of the transport minister speaking at an outdoor news conference — The transport minister at a press conference outlining the crackdown on illegal e‑bikes.

What the government is doing now

The announced package aims to remove illegal e-bikes from streets quickly and clearly. Changes are focused on streamlining seizure, adding testing equipment and increasing the likelihood that offending bikes are destroyed.

Stronger, faster seizure powers for police so they no longer face car‑level red tape when confiscating bikes.
Legal power to crush seized bikes if riders are found to be breaking the law or engaging in dangerous conduct.
Import of dyno machines to test bikes in real time and determine whether a machine meets legal power limits.

Crushed electric bike debris under excavator tracks at a depot following seizure — Seized e‑bike crushed beneath the excavator tracks, showing the destruction powers in action.

Ministers stressed the dyno machines will remove ambiguity about whether a particular bike is legal or not. Three initial dyno units have been ordered to get enforcement underway.

Why now?

Ministers pointed to two key triggers. In 2021 federal rules relaxed import controls, enabling a flood of higher‑powered machines. Then a NSW 2023 change that allowed 500‑watt e-bikes had the unintended effect of normalising more powerful models on local streets.

“We’re drawing a line today,” the transport minister said, stressing the change is necessary after months of reports of injuries and several tragic deaths linked to these machines.

Close-up of mechanical grab jaws crushing a seized electric bike, showing flattened frame and wheels — A seized e-bike crushed under a mechanical grab during the NSW crackdown.

“If you want your bike to look like this, this is exactly what will happen. It will be crushed if you're doing the wrong thing.”

Enforcement, equipment and coverage

Police will use the dyno units to test machines on the spot and rely on strengthened seizure powers to act quickly. While only three dyno units were ordered initially, officials said broader enforcement will not rely solely on those devices.

Targeted crackdowns will focus on hotspots where illegal riding is common, but police said they will enforce the new rules state‑wide using the revised seizure powers.

Minister speaking at a press briefing about new seizure and dyno testing powers to tackle illegal e-bikes — The minister outlines the new seizure and dyno testing powers for illegal e‑bikes.

Community reaction and industry support

The NRMA publicly backed the measures, urging parents not to buy illegal high‑powered e-bikes for children. The association called the bikes “not toys” and supported crushing as a clear deterrent.

Spokesperson speaking at an outdoor press conference about tougher action on illegal e-bikes — A spokesperson underlines community support for tougher e‑bike rules.

NRMA representatives warned that while enforcement is costly for families whose bikes are seized, the cost of tragedy is far greater. They urged communities to act alongside police and government to stop dangerous riding.

What this means for riders and buyers

Owners should check whether their bike complies with legal power limits and registration requirements. Riders caught breaking the law can expect rapid seizure and the possibility of destruction of their machine.

Parents and guardians are urged to avoid buying high‑powered e-bikes for young people and to treat these machines as vehicles, not toys.

Key takeaways

The NSW government has introduced faster seizure powers and the option to crush illegal e-bikes.
Dyno testing units will be used to determine legality on the spot; three units ordered initially.
The crackdown responds to a rise in dangerous riding, injuries and several deaths linked to high‑powered e-bikes.
NRMA and community groups back the tougher stance and call for parents to stop buying illegal bikes for kids.

FAQ

How many dyno units will be used to test bikes in NSW?

Three dyno machines have been ordered initially to allow on‑the‑spot power testing. Officials say the units will assist targeted crackdowns, but police will enforce the law state‑wide using the new seizure powers regardless of dyno location.

What behaviour will trigger seizure and crushing of a bike?

Bikes can be seized for illegal modification, operating above legal power limits, reckless or dangerous riding (for example, without helmets or doubling up), and other offences. If riders are found to be breaking the law, seized machines may be destroyed to deter repeat offending.

Why were high‑powered e-bikes a problem in NSW?

Two policy changes were cited: federal import rule changes in 2021 that allowed higher‑powered machines into the market, and a 2023 NSW standard that set a 500‑watt benchmark seen as too permissive. Together they contributed to more powerful bikes appearing on local streets.

How can the community help reduce dangerous riding?

Parents and guardians should avoid buying modified or high‑powered e-bikes for young people and treat these machines as vehicles that require legal compliance. Community groups and organisations can support education, report dangerous riding to police, and promote safe micro‑mobility alternatives.

Final word

The NSW crackdown aims to make streets safer by removing illegal e-bikes quickly and visibly. With clearer testing and faster enforcement, authorities hope to change behaviour and prevent further harm to riders and pedestrians alike.

The information in this article has been adapted from mainstream news sources and video reports published on official channels. Watch the full video here 'It will be crushed': Illegal e-bikes to be seized and destroyed across NSW | 7NEWS