A 19-year-old man from Brisbane has been charged with several offences during a police initiative aimed at tackling illegal e-bikes. The incident occurred when officers spotted him riding a non-compliant e-bike on Elizabeth Street in the city centre. Upon being signalled to stop, the young man allegedly attempted to escape but was quickly apprehended by a police officer on foot.
Following his arrest, a search revealed a used pipe among his belongings. He now faces a total of seven charges, including dangerous operation of a vehicle, assaulting a police officer, riding an uninsured vehicle, and possession of dangerous drugs. The man is scheduled to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on August 6.
This operation was part of a broader effort by law enforcement to deter the use of illegal e-bikes in Brisbane’s inner city. It’s important to note that in Queensland, e-bikes must not be capable of exceeding speeds of 25 km/h. If a bike surpasses this limit, it must be registered and insured as a motorbike.
North Brisbane District Inspector Peta Comadira has advised e-bike riders to ensure their vehicles adhere to legal standards before using them on public roads. She emphasised the importance of compliance with road regulations, highlighting that some e-bikes can reach speeds that classify them as motorbikes, which necessitates proper registration, insurance, and licensing. Comadira assured the public that police will continue to conduct targeted operations to enhance safety and compliance on the roads.