Hundreds of e-bike riders fined for having illegal cycles

Hundreds of e-bike owners in Victoria have been fined for having overpowered and illegal cycles.

Police today announced the results of Operation Consider, launched last month, which caught and fined 275 people riding e-bikes, bicycles and petrol scooters in the state.

From the e-bikes intercepted by officers, 52 per cent were found to be overpowered, deeming them unregistered vehicles.

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An overpowered e-bike is considered a motorcycle and subject to stricter road rules, including licencing and registration.

Riders of an overpowered or non-compliant e-bike face a $1018 fine.

Police also issued penalty notices to riders for other offences, such as not wearing helmets, riding on footpaths, failing to stop at traffic lights and using mobile phones.

Under Victorian law, an e-bike is considered overpowered when its motor exceeds the power limit of 250 watts for pedal-assisted (EPACs) and 200 watts for throttle-activated machines, or travels more than 25 km/h.

Assistant Commissioner, Glenn Weir says e-bike riders need to be across the rules governing the cycles.

"The reality is the onus is on the rider to ensure they understand and comply with the rules before using their e-bike.

"That means ensuring the e-bike does not exceed the power or speed requirements and that the rider adheres the road rules applicable to all cyclists – such as wearing a helmet, not using a mobile phone or device while riding, using bicycle lanes and obeying traffic lights."

Police say they'll continue with e-bike enforcement operations when the school holidays begin next week.

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