By Yuqi Xin
Williamstown locals say the illegal use of e-bikes has become increasingly dangerous and want police to take more action.
Residents say that illegal e-bikes are no longer just a traffic issue but a serious threat to community safety with riders frequently speeding and ignoring rules, increasing the risk of accidents.
In response Neighbourhood Watch recently hosted a community session at Newport Bowls Club to discuss the issue with many residents voicing their concerns.
“These riders are reckless on the streets. If there’s no regulation, someone is bound to get hurt” said one resident.
“Last Friday evening, I saw three teenagers riding illegal e-bikes on Market Street. They rushed from the footpath onto the road at high speed, almost hitting pedestrians,” said another.
“These e-bikes ride really fast in crowded streets. If they get too close to me, I don’t feel safe,” said resident Ava.
Others mentioned that illegal e-bikes often intersect with cars, especially on uphill streets, creating serious safety hazards.
Residents hope that police and community groups can work together through joint enforcement, education campaigns, and community activities to improve safety.
“Police should first educate riders about the consequences, rather than fining them straight away. Everyone wants to make a living, but safety must come first. Education is more effective than punishment,” said resident Jim.
According to new data from Victoria Police, the number of e-bike related collisions across the state has risen significantly in recent years. There were 79 recorded collisions in 2023, which increased to 144 in 2024, a rise of 82%. Preliminary statistics for 2025 show that at least 113 collisions had already occurred as of 30 July.
Most of these collisions involve non-compliant or modified e-bikes. Police say that overpowered bikes, illegal modifications, and failure to follow traffic rules are key factors behind these accidents, especially in city centre areas and around schools.
Police warn that without proper management, minor accidents could escalate to life-threatening situations.
To solve this problem, Victoria Police has launched ‘Operation Consider’, an enforcement campaign to crack down on overpowered, illegally modified, or speeding e-bikes.
Victoria Police encourages residents to call Triple Zero (000) if the incident is life threatening or needs immediate police attendance. If the incident is non-urgent call the Police Assistance Line – 131 444.
Alternatively there is the online reporting page: onlinereporting.police.vic.gov.au
Police advice and enforcement standards
According to Victoria Police, legal e-bikes mainly fall into two categories:
Electrically-powered assisted cCycles (EPACs): Equipped with an auxiliary propulsion motor not exceeding 250 watts, maximum speed 25 km/h, and riders must pedal to access the motor’s power.
Power-assisted bicycles: Similar to a pedal-powered bicycle but equipped with one or more auxiliary motors, power output not exceeding 200 watts, with a throttle on the handlebar allowing riders to power without pedaling.
E-bikes exceeding these standards or using the motor as the primary source of power are considered overpowered and are regulated as motorcycles. They must comply with motorcycle road rules, including registration, licensing, and drink and drug driving penalties. Unregistered vehicles may incur fines of up to AUD 1,018.
Police will also enforce penalties for other safety offences:
- Use mobile phone or electronic devices while riding – $611 fine
- Fail to obey traffic lights (bicyclist) – $509 fine
- Fail to wear securely fitted approved bicycle helmet – $254 fine
- Fail to have lights (bicyclist) – $254 fine
- Fail to give way or keep left (bicyclist) – $204 fine
- Fail to use bicycle lane – $204 fine
Speeding is also monitored using handheld detection devices. Riders exceeding the speed limit by less than 10 km/h face a AUD 254 fine, while those exceeding by 45 km/h or more may face AUD 1,018 fines and vehicle impoundment.
Yuqi Xin is a journalism intern from The University of Melbourne
