Laws giving NSW Police and Transport for NSW new powers to seize and crush illegal e-bikes were introduced to NSW parliament yesterday, as part of the Minns Labor Government’s crackdown on dangerous and anti-social e-bike use.
The Road Transport Amendment (Non-registrable Motor Vehicles) Bill 2026 targets the growing number of throttle-only, high-powered e-motorbikes that are fuelling dangerous anti-social behaviour, community frustration and serious injuries.
Essentially if an e-bike is performing like a motorbike, it can be seized and crushed.
The legislation will significantly enhance enforcement capability by extending seizure powers to Police and Transport Authorised Officers.
The support from Transport will assist Police in managing the fast-changing nature of devices and dangerous behaviours. The two agencies will work together to establish a clear framework for implementation.
The NSW legislation is based on similar seize and crush laws in Western Australia.
NSW will be the first state to introduce roadside dyno units, which are able to test if an e-bike can go faster than the 25 km/h limit – giving law enforcement more tools to take illegal bikes off the road and into the crusher.
The seize and crush laws build on a series of key initiatives from the Minns Labor Government to crackdown on illegal e-bikes and dangerous behaviour:
- The expansion of Strike Force Puma to target dangerous e-bike and e-motorbike rideouts.
- Reducing the 500-watt e-bike power limit to 250-watts.
- Bringing NSW into line with the rest of Australia by enforcing the EN15194 standard.
- Implementing a minimum age limit for e-bike use.
- Introduced Australia’s first shared scheme legislation giving councils the powers to enforce no-go and go-slow zones, control parking, ensure helmet provision and insurance for riders.
- Introduced new safety standards for lithium-ion batteries and banned modified e-bikes from trains and metros to reduce the risk of fires.
The NSW Government is reminding parents to double-check before buying an e-bike for their child. Not all e-bikes sold in shops are legal on our streets.
Many devices being marketed as e-bikes are in fact illegal electric motorbikes, with throttle operation without pedalling above 6km/h, excessive power output or modified speed limiters.
If a device does not meet NSW’s legal definition of a pedal-assisted e-bike, it can be seized and crushed even if it was bought in error.
Not all e-bikes sold in shops are legal on our streets. The NSW Government is asking parents to double-check before buying an e-bike for their child.
Minister for Transport John Graham said:
“We’re a big step closer to seizing and crushing dangerous e-bikes today, which is a step towards making the people of NSW safer.
“We don’t want to discourage safe and healthy e-bike use, but we do want to discourage dangerous and illegal e-motorbike use – and these powers will do exactly that.
“If it behaves like a motorbike, it’s probably illegal and could end up in the crusher. So the message is simple, don’t buy an illegal e-bike.”
“This legislation gives police and transport officers the powers they need to efficiently and permanently remove these devices from our streets and public places.”
Minister for Police and Counter-Terrorism Yasmin Catley said:
“NSW Police are focused on keeping our streets safe and as more people use e-bikes, it’s important they have the right tools to respond.
“These changes mean police can step in and seize e-bikes being used dangerously or illegally so risks can be dealt with straight away.
“It’s about backing police to use their judgement and keeping people safe, while also making it clear that unsafe behaviour on our roads won’t be ignored.”
Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:
“These laws send a very clear message right across NSW – if you ride an illegal bike in a public place, you risk losing it for good.
“We know this is not just a Sydney issue. Communities across regional and rural NSW are dealing with the risks posed by illegal, overpowered e-bikes.
“This is a no second chances approach. If a bike is seized because it’s being ridden illegally, there is no way for the rider or their immediate family to get it back.
“That’s why families need to make sure they are buying legal e-bikes and that they know how those bikes are being used.”
Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Marjorie O’Neill said:
“People deserve to feel safe walking through their neighbourhoods, parks and town centres.
“Communities across NSW are dealing with high powered e-bikes being ridden at dangerous speeds in places where families and pedestrians should feel safe.
“This legislation draws a clear line under illegal motorbikes and gives authorities the tools they need to remove them.”
Media Release: Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley, Minister for Roads John Graham, Minister for Transport Jenny Aitchison
