Gold Coast Highway Patrol continue to conduct targeted policing operations aimed at addressing dangerous behaviour and non-compliance amongst personal mobility device (PMD) users across the city.
The latest deployment of Operation ELEKTRA was conducted on May 22 across several key locations, with Highway Patrol officers focusing on safety offences involving electric bikes and scooters.
During the operation, police issued 25 traffic infringement notices in total, seven of which were directly related to PMD and bike offences.
Amongst the PMD offences recorded were two infringements for not wearing a helmet, two for exceeding the speed limit, one for riding a PMD on a prohibited road, one for not having a warning device and one for permitting a person under 10 to ride a PMD.
Concerning behaviour
Senior Sergeant Steve Young of the Gold Coast Highway Patrol said some of the more concerning behaviour involved very young riders being permitted to ride dangerously.
‘In one instance, a 10-year-old was seen doing wheelies on the road with an e-scooter. His mother was issued a fine after admitting she allowed him to use the device,’ Senior Sergeant Young said.
‘We know these devices are popular and can be great for getting around – but they’re not toys. They can be dangerous when used incorrectly or without proper safety gear.’
Police also recorded two separate evades involving electric motorbikes during the operation.
Mountain bike electric conversion
In another incident, a 16-year-old was intercepted riding a mountain bike fitted with a 1500W electric conversion kit. The youth, who had previously come to police attention, was found to be riding unlicensed and without a helmet.
‘Many riders were found to be doing the right thing, and we thank them,’ Senior Sergeant Young said.
‘But for those ignoring the rules – especially when it comes to helmets, speed, and age restrictions – we will continue to take action.’
Operation ELEKTRA forms part of an ongoing commitment by Gold Coast police to keep road users safe and reduce the risk of serious injuries or fatalities involving personal mobility devices.
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