Police have fined a dad for allegedly allowing his children to use an unregistered motor vehicle amid a clampdown on the illegal use of e-bikes at a tourist hub.
The 58-year-old Sunshine Beach man was fined with two counts of permit use of unregistered motor vehicle for allegedly allowing his children, boys aged 15 and 17, to ride e-bikes after being previously warned.
The fine was part of Operation Zappo Stoppie, which targets the illegal use of electric motorcycles and non-compliant electric bikes in the Noosa area to identify, prevent and disrupt illegal use of e-bikes and high-risk behaviours.
From July 1 when it began to November 4, police have completed 27 street checks identifying and warning 31 juveniles, issued eight infringements and impounded three bikes.
Police have also charged 24 people with 83 offences including 21 counts of unlicensed driving, 20 counts of use unregistered vehicle, 20 counts of drive uninsured vehicle, two counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and one count of drink-driving.
Police are continuing to investigate a further 18 recorded incidents involving an additional 30 offences.
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Noosa Heads Senior Constables Danny Baker and Tom Ayling said it was vital for the community to understand the rules and regulations.
“It’s important to note that Operation Zappo Stoppie does not include targeting electric scooters – police are addressing the dangerous and illegal use of those devices through other enforcement and education activities,” Senior Constable Baker said.
“We frequently receive complaints from concerned community members about children riding electric mororcycles in ways that are not only dangerous to the rider but also other road users and pedestrians, and it seems unfortunately evident that it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or killed.
“In some instances we’re also seeing young people who have been caught offending on e-bikes move to the use of even more powerful road-registerable sports-style motorcycles.
“These trends have confirmed our focus needs to remain on electric dirt bikes, modified electric bikes and road-registerable sports-style motorcycles due to the significant risk of injury or death to these inexperienced riders and members of the public.
“It’s shocking to see children as young as 12 riding bikes powerful enough to be considered a motorbike or vehicle that must be registered, insured and driven by a licence holder.
“Just as an electric battery doesn’t change a car from being a car compared to a petrol car, neither does an electric battery change a motorbike from being a motorbike.
“The rules around the use of a motorbike doesn’t change, regardless of if it’s powered by petrol or an electric battery.
“We will continue with enforcement activities like Operation Zappo Stoppie and educational initiatives like presentations at local schools, but we also need parents to support us in keeping their children safe.
“I ask parents to please make yourself aware of the rules and regulations around the use of electric motorcycles and electric bikes, and carefully consider if it’s appropriate for your child to ride one.
“In the lead-up to Christmas, I ask that parents also think twice before buying an e-bike for a child that is not able or old enough to ride it legally. Electric motorcycles and electric bikes are not toys.
“Parents can be fined or charged for permitting their children to ride unregistered vehicles as well as ride vehicles when unlicensed.”
Operation Zappo Stoppie is ongoing and police will be increasing their presence in the Noosa area with an expected increase in e-bike users as children head into the school holidays.
