Riders of dodgy and illegally modified e-bikes are on notice after an increase in crashes across Melbourne.
Today, police began an enforcement blitz targeting e-bikes and e-scooters, often used by delivery services such as Uber, following a 180 per cent increase in collisions in the last three years.
Electrically powered assisted bikes must not exceed 200 watts of electrical power, or they are then considered unregistered vehicles.
If an e-bike power output exceeds 200 watts (for a power-assisted bicycle), exceeds 250 watts or travels more than 25km/h (for EPAC), or the motor is not the secondary source of power, then it is overpowered.
“E-bikes have become a popular way of getting around Melbourne, and we see them being used by a range of people, whether recreationally or for work,” Road Policing Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir said.
Police say that Victorian law requires all vehicles that are overpowered to be considered a motorcycle and therefore are subject to the Road Safety Act, including registration, roadworthiness and the operator holding the appropriate licence.
Riders are being reminded to check their e-bike meets the criteria to be considered compliant or face penalties such as using an unregistered vehicle, which carries a $1018 fine.
“We’re putting e-bike riders on notice – check your bike, make sure it’s compliant and obey the rules – failure to do so and there could be some hefty penalties coming your way,” Mr Weir said.
