The recent number of e-bike injuries and deaths are foreseeable tragedies, Sergeant Joel Bryant, from Coolum Beach Police Station, says.
Sgt Bryant and his team at Coolum Police are continuing to target illegal electronic mobility devices (EMD) use under Operation Overwatch, alongside Maroochydore Police handling Operation Raptor Wheelie. This also falls under the Queensland Police Service’s state-wide focus under Operation X-Ray Surety.
“Road-related trauma, particularly when foreseeable and avoidable, is an agonising scene for first responders and trauma services attempting to save children and other victims,” Sgt Bryant says. “As a parent first, then a police officer, I am unable to accept that we as a community can endure further preventable injuries or the demise of our children as an acceptable outcome of illegal E-PMD (electronic-personal mobility device) usage.”
The number of personal mobility device-related injuries captured in the Queensland Injury Surveillance Unit data has risen from 136 average cases per month in 2024 to 156 average cases per month in 2025.
Sgt Bryant says parents and caregivers are the predicate to illegal e-bike and e-motorcycle offending: “Your child is your responsibility: e-bike and e-motorcycle safety begins with you.
“Make educated and evidence-based decisions prioritising safety and compliance, not complacency, convenience and compromise.”
Sgt Bryce says most parents in the community are “genuinely mortified” when their child is identified by community members or Coolum Police as compromising their personal safety or that of other vulnerable community members in their use of E-PMDs.
“I anticipate the minority of parents that have affronted Coolum Police regarding their child’s unlawful activities are seriously reconsidering their position, given the recent spate of serious incidents and injuries relating to E-PMDs,” he says.
Police have liaised with businesses selling e-bikes to the Sunshine Coast community.
“Some businesses appear to operate under the guise of compliance, and concerningly continue to build/sell non-compliant electric motorcycles (NCEMs) to community members under the veil of wilful blindness to the use of NCEMs on Queensland roads or road-related areas,” Sgt Bryant says.
“These offenders reside in your community, your street or go to school or play sports or activities with your family members. Report their unlawful activities, address and details to police.
“Don’t condone or support such unlawful activities by remaining silent. You may save a life.”
If you have information for police, contact Policelink at police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
To read community feedback or send in your views on e-bikes, visit sunshinecoastnews.com.au.
IS YOUR ELECTRONIC MOBILITY DEVICE LEGAL?
In Queensland, electronic mobility devices (EMDs) are any electric-powered vehicles that can’t be registered as motor vehicles.
Here’s how they break down.
- Motorised wheelchairs/ mobility devices
For people with mobility needs; designed for footpath use only.
- Compliant e-bikes
- pedals are the main power source; motor only assists up to 25kmh
- maximum motor output is 250watts
- must meet the EPAC EN15194 standard
- no minimum age limit to ride.
- Non-compliant e-bikes
- motor exceeds 250watts (even if ‘restricted’)
- may have throttles, no pedals or combustion engines
- treated as electric motorcycles and not road legal.
- Non-compliant electric motorcycles or NCEMs
- two- or three-wheeled electric vehicles that don’t meet standards for registration or e-bike rules.
These include:
- retro-fitted bicycles or scooters with >250-watt motors.
- electric motorcycles not approved for public roads.
- e-scooters
- riders 12–15 years must be supervised; 16-plus can ride alone
- maximum speed is 25kmh.
- any modification or speed-restriction removal can make it an e-motorcycle.
Note: Some ‘e-bikes’ sold with 500-watt motors (restricted to 25kmh) are legally electric motorcycles, not bicycles.
Riders should always check local laws before using them on roads or public areas.
