Police have released footage of teens allegedly operating illegal e-bikes, as they call on parents to help crack down on use of the devices.
Authorities have warned that some modified devices can reach dangerous speeds and are being ridden recklessly by children on the Sunshine Coast.
The plea comes during Operation Overwatch, which is focused on reducing dangerous and unlawful e-motorcycle behaviour in and around Coolum Beach.
Police continue to undertake extensive engagement, education and enforcement initiatives aimed at improving community awareness and compliance around e-mobility devices (EMDs), including school-based presentations, community safety days, community question-and-answer sessions and innovative operations using drones to identify offenders.
Despite efforts to highlight the dangers of high-powered EMDs, police continue to receive reports of young people riding unlawful e-bikes in a dangerous and antisocial manner.
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Footage provided by the Queensland Police Service showed a 15-year-old Peregian Springs boy intercepted on Balgownie Drive, Peregian Springs, on October 13, for allegedly riding an illegal e-bike with a conversion kit. His e-bike was seized.
It also showed a 16-year-old Marcoola boy intercepted on David Low Way, Coolum Beach, on March 24, for allegedly riding an illegal e-bike. He has been dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act and his e-bike was seized.
The video also included a 14-year-old Peregian Springs boy intercepted on David Low Way, Coolum Beach, on July 9, for allegedly illegally riding an e-bike.
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Coolum Beach Police Station Sergeant Joel Bryant said some e-mobility device behaviour was concerning.
“It’s both disappointing and frustrating to see parents not monitoring their children’s behaviour on these devices, which is often reckless, disorderly and dangerous,” he said.
“There are illegal e-bikes and conventional bikes that have been modified with retrofitted battery pack conversion kits in our community that are capable of travelling at speeds of up to 100km/h.
“Allowing a child, and therefore inexperienced and unlicensed driver, access to such a powerful vehicle places their lives at risk, as well as the safety of the wider community.
“Illegal e-bikes may meet the requirements to be considered a motorbike, which means that every time a child rides an illegal e-bike on public roads, they are unlicensed, unregistered and uninsured.
“If you wouldn’t let your underaged child ride a Harley-Davidson, don’t let them ride an illegal e-motorbike.
“Police will continue to do all we can to educate and enforce, however, community safety begins in your home.
“We need parents to support us in keeping their children safe by adhering to the rules and regulations around e-bike use, knowing the capacity of your child’s e-bike, and ensuring your child is riding a legal device in a safe manner at all times.
“As parents, if you allow your child to ride an illegal e-bike you can also be charged for permitting your child to ride an illegal e-motorcycle unlicensed, unregistered and uninsured which may result in a court appearance.
“These children are our friends, neighbours and fellow community members: we all want to see them safe.
“Creating a safer community is a shared responsibility and we urge all residents to report unsafe or unlawful behaviour when they see it.
“Police will continue enforcement and education activities under Operation Overwatch as they work towards reducing road trauma and increasing community safety.
“Expect to see police anywhere and at anytime, including a knock at your door if we have identified you or your child as an offender.”
If you have CCTV or vision of an offence, report the evidence by contacting Policelink on 131 444 or online via police.qld.gov.au/reporting. Anyone with information about offenders can also report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online via crimestoppersqld.com.au. If there is a life-threatening emergency, call triple-0 immediately. For more information about the rules and regulations of e-bikes visit streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au/electric-bikes.
