For residents voicing their concerns about anti-social e-bike behaviour and safety, Kiama MP Katelin McInerney says the NSW Police is increasing its presence in the community.

McInerney has heard plenty of complaints about the issue since being elected in September and has confirmed her advocacy around e-bikes and a greater police presence from the Lake Illawarra Area Command has been successful.

“I am pleased that the Lake Illawarra Area Command responded to my request for an increased presence in the community, as existing police patrols remain the most effective way to enforce the law and deter anti-social behaviour relating to e-bikes that are not road-legal,” McInerney said.

The NSW government recently announced e-bikes will have their legal power output lowered from 500 watts to 250 watts to align with other state jurisdictions.

Kiama Councillor Matt Brown welcomes the NSW government regulation and advocacy from McInerney.

“We (Councillors) have been inundated with concerns from the community about the safety of usually young people riding these ‘fat’ e-bikes and the safety of pedestrians and motorists,” Cr Brown said.

McInerney has spoken to NSW Police about community concerns regarding the “fat” e-bikes that are not road legal.

“These bikes cannot be ridden on the road or in public places but may be used on private property,” McInerney said.

“I understand community frustration when riders do not follow NSW Road Rules. 

“All e-bike riders must follow the same NSW Road Rules as drivers, with additional rules for riders wearing approved helmets and not riding on a footpath if 16 years old and over, unless carrying a child or supervising a child riding.” 

A Kiama shop owner told The Bugle that they have experienced an outcry of community concern with it even escalating to lawyers sending letters to the Kiama MP electorate office due to the civil liabilities if an e-bike rider were to injure another member of the public.

While there is inconclusive data which connects misadventure, injuries, or death from e-bikes in Australia, there is peer-reviewed research undertaken in Germany which states that e-bike riders have higher odds of spine and extremity injuries.

NSW Police will attend the Kiama Farmers Markets next Wednesday (23 December) to answer questions from locals and “ensure community members – particularly parents in the community – understand the limitations of e-bikes on our roads and an awareness of these regulations, including this new change around e-bike power limits”.

“I have also advocated for a partnership between Kiama Municipal Council and NSW Police similar to the one between Shellharbour City Council and Lake Illawarra Area Command and am pleased to say this will get underway in the new year,” McInerney said.

McInerney has also written to the Minister for Police Yasmin Catley for greater education and awareness around the illegal use of e-mobility devices and met with the principal of Kiama High School to facilitate programs for students.

The NSW government is reviewing the standards and regulations for the definition of an e-bike in the road rules to provide greater insight and appease confusion for riders, families, and retailers.

“This is a complex issue and I acknowledge, as an e-bike rider myself, that the active transport infrastructure across our region needs to be expanded and improved and more work needs to be done investing in this,” McInerney said.

Newly appointed NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane announced that if successful in the 2027 election, her government would introduce a license plate scheme for e-bikes in NSW.

Since 2020, sales and the importation of e-bikes has nearly tripled with this figure likely to grow with many young people anticipating an e-bike for Christmas.

Parents buying an e-bike this Christmas are encouraged to look for:

- A clear EN 15194 sticker or certification

- A motor output of no more than 250 watts

- A reputable brand with proper safety documentation

- A model that has not been modified, “chipped”, or had its speed limiter removed.

NSW Police can issue the following fines to e-bike users:

- $818 for illegal e-bike use

- $410 for not wearing an approved helmet

- $410 for not holding a mobile phone

- Riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol can lead to fines or imprisonment

- Penalties for negligent or dangerous driving.