Parents say illegal e-bikes are 'basically motorbikes' as injuries rise
Source reports published 22 Oct 2026, 5:50 am – 23 Oct 2026, 10:12 am AEST
Injuries from illegal e-bike use are increasing, with a mother recounting her son's severe injury after an accident. Authorities are urging action to prevent further harm and are implementing measures to seize non-compliant devices.
What happened
- A 14-year-old boy in the Illawarra region of New South Wales suffered a severe heel injury after riding an illegally modified e-bike.
- The chain became embedded in his foot, causing significant damage.
- Trauma admissions related to high-speed e-bike accidents have risen dramatically, with Sydney Children's Hospital reporting a ‘worrying’ increase.
- Police are seizing and crushing non-compliant e-bikes, with 58 removed and 22 crushed by October.
- Concerns remain about the widespread availability of illegally modified e-bikes, with Bicycle NSW advocating for measures to prevent their import.
- Authorities are considering registration or licensing for e-bike riders, including teenagers, alongside enforcement efforts.
Original reporting
- ABC: Parents say illegal e-bikes are 'basically motorbikes' as injuries rise
2026-10-21T19:50:45+00:00 - CBS News: More parents facing criminal charges for their children's electric motorcycle accidents
2026-10-23T00:12:00+00:00