As part of a crackdown on e-bikes across the state, 22 illegal e-bikes have been seized following a NSW Police Force and Transport for NSW joint operation across southern Sydney and the Illawarra.
Officers attached to Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, with assistance from Central Metropolitan Region, Sutherland Shire Police Area Command, Southern Region, Wollongong Police District, and Lake Illawarra Police District, conducted a joint operation with Transport for NSW in the Cronulla, Wollongong and Shellharbour areas between 2pm and 8pm last Friday.
During the operation, officers targeted illegal and modified e-bikes that exceeded legal speed and power limits. As a result of the operation a total of 22 e-bikes were seized after being identified as non-compliant.
One of the e-bikes seized had been modified to travel at 50km/h with several of the other e-bikes seized modified to travel over 40km/h.
Police also issued nine penalty notices and four cautions.
Check legal requirement before purchase
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner David Driver, warned riders to check the legal requirement before purchasing an e-bike. ‘This is the second operation after the new e-bike seizure laws came into effect and our message remains clear. There is no place on our roads and footpaths for illegal and modified e-bikes that put other people at risk.’
‘We know e-bikes are popular, particularly among young people; however, popularity does not give them exemption from the law.’
Assistant Commissioner David Driver said it is important to take the time and check the NSW e-bike requirements carefully before purchasing an e-bike. ‘If you ride an illegal or modified e-bike, it may be seized, assessed and destroyed if it’s found to be non-compliant. Simple checks will save your time, money and consequences of getting it wrong.’
Officer hit and run
At about 5.40pm on Friday, police were patrolling the Shell Cove area, when police attempted to stop an e-bike rider on Aquatic Drive.
While attempting to stop the rider, a senior constable was allegedly hit by the vehicle before the rider left the scene on the e-bike.
The officer was assessed at the scene before being taken to Shellharbour Hospital in a stable condition with a serious leg injury.
Following the crash, police commenced a search of the area before locating the rider on Bass Point Road where he allegedly ran into nearby bushland.
Officers – with the assistance of Transport for NSW staff – located the alleged rider – an 18-year-old man – hiding in Bass Reserve before arresting and charging him with: unlicensed rider; use unregistered motor vehicle on road; use uninsured motor vehicle on road; drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous; ail to stop and assist after impact cause injury; and not give particulars to injured person.
The man was granted conditional bail and will appear before Port Kembla Local Court on Wednesday 28 October.
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