Ebikes: Independence's Deadly Price

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.

Despite regulatory changes, concerns persist that ebikes can be easily modified to exceed legal speeds, with retailers noting that high-powered, illegal versions often outsell road-safe models. Rideout events, often organized by and for urban teenage boys, have also drawn criticism. While some, like Bike Life Australia, are working with police, advocacy groups like Bicycle NSW are advocating for education programs for teenagers, parents, and retailers to ensure better understanding and compliance with road laws.