The Minns Labor Government has introduced tough new laws allowing illegal e-bikes to be seized and crushed as part of a major crackdown on dangerous riding across New South Wales. The legislation targets high-powered and modified e-bikes blamed for anti-social behaviour and growing safety concerns on roads and footpaths.
Under the new laws, NSW Police and Transport for NSW authorised officers will have the power to confiscate non-compliant e-bikes and permanently destroy them. The Road Transport Amendment (Non-registrable Motor Vehicles) Bill 2026 officially passed NSW Parliament this week.
The government said the reforms are aimed at protecting public safety while still encouraging the safe use of legal e-bikes. Authorities have increasingly raised concerns about illegally modified bikes capable of exceeding legal speed and power limits, particularly in busy suburban areas.
To support the crackdown, Transport for NSW has invested in specialised “dyno units” imported from Europe. These portable testing devices can determine whether an e-bike’s power assistance cuts out at the legal 25km/h limit required under NSW law.
If an e-bike fails roadside testing, police will now have authority to seize the vehicle immediately before it is eventually crushed. Similar laws introduced in Western Australia have already resulted in dozens of illegal bikes being confiscated and destroyed.
The reforms form part of a broader e-bike safety strategy introduced by the Minns Government. Other measures include reducing the legal power limit from 500 watts to 250 watts, introducing minimum rider age requirements and strengthening lithium-ion battery safety standards.
Transport Minister John Graham said the government wanted to send a clear message to riders using illegal bikes. He said authorities supported safe and healthy e-bike use but would not tolerate dangerous vehicles putting pedestrians, motorists and riders themselves at risk.
Police Minister Yasmin Catley said the new laws would give officers stronger powers to deal with illegal e-bikes creating safety issues in suburbs and regional communities. Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison added that the legislation aimed to prevent serious injuries and restore safety on NSW streets and footpaths.
