What is the current ebike safety situation in New South Wales?

New South Wales recorded 226 ebike-related injuries in 2024 and saw a surge to 233 injuries along with four deaths in the first seven months of 2025.

What measures is Australia taking to address the ebike issue?

The Australian government has declared a 'real emergency,' aiming to stop illegal ebikes from entering the country and giving police powers to crack down on them, including confiscation and destruction.

Are there concerns about ebikes being modified to exceed legal speeds?

Yes, there are concerns that ebikes can be tuned to run at higher speeds than the regulated 25km/h limit, with illegal, high-powered versions often outselling road-safe models.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Ebikes: Independence's Deadly Price

Ebikes: Independence's Deadly Price

7 Feb

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Summary

NSW recorded 226 ebike injuries in 2024; four deaths in early 2025.
Nearly a million ebikes are now on Sydney streets.
Australia faces a 'real emergency' due to dangerous ebikes.

Electric bikes have become a popular source of independence and a solution for urban congestion and emissions in Australia. However, this boom has come with a significant cost to public safety. In 2024, New South Wales reported 226 ebike-related injuries, a number that escalated to 233, along with four deaths, by July 2025. Queensland has also seen a concerning rise in incidents, with preliminary data indicating 239 crashes in 2025, including four fatalities.

The influx of ebikes, with nearly a million now on Sydney streets, has prompted a strong government response. Health Minister Mark Butler described illegal ebikes as a "total menace," highlighting the devastating injuries reaching hospital emergency rooms. Authorities are seeking to prevent their importation and empower police to confiscate and destroy them. The federal government relaxed import standards in 2021, contributing to the surge, but these were tightened again in late 2025 to restrict motor activation to pedaling, limit speeds to 25km/h, and cap power at 250 watts.