Hundreds of illegal e-mobility devices have been seized around Queensland since new laws took effect, with the first confiscated devices crushed and destroyed.
The actions come after the state government introduced e-mobility reforms in response to growing community concerns about dangerous and illegal riding behaviour, including the use of high-powered devices on roads, footpaths and shared pathways, which had resulted in injuries and deaths.
Queensland Police have seized 466 illegal e-bikes and e-scooters and issued 2142 traffic infringement notices as part of a targeted statewide enforcement response, since the first tranche of reforms started on July 1.
E-bikes and e-scooters were crushed at Metal Biz Recyclers at Rocklea in Brisbane on Tuesday.
On the Sunshine Coast, 106 non-compliant bikes were seized and 33 e-mobility related traffic infringement notices were issued. There was one e-mobility drink rider.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the clampdown was making Queensland safer.
“These e-bikes being crushed should never have been on Queensland streets and they should not be in the hands of riders putting themselves and others at risk,” he said.
“We promised Queenslanders we would introduce nation-leading laws, give police the powers they asked for and crack down on illegal high-powered devices, and the numbers speak for themselves.
“Every seized bike crushed is one less illegal device on our streets, one less risk to pedestrians and road users and another step towards safer communities.
“If you’re doing the wrong thing, if you’re riding an illegal high-powered device or putting others at risk, Queensland Police now have the powers to seize your bike and destroy it.”
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said the results demonstrated the effectiveness of the reforms.
“Queenslanders asked for stronger action and police asked for stronger powers and the Crisafulli Government delivered both,” he said.
“These reforms are removing dangerous devices from our streets and ensuring people who put the community at risk are being held accountable.
“If you’re doing the wrong thing, expect consequences.”
The batteries and metal from seized devices are being recycled where possible.
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