New powers to seize and crush illegal e-bikes are being introduced to NSW parliament today, says Labor, ‘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 will give NSW Police and Transport for NSW news powers over the ‘growing number of throttle-only, high-powered e-motorbikes that are fuelling dangerous anti-social behaviour, community frustration and serious injuries’.
The government says, ‘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’, they say.
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