Queensland Parents Fined as Children Ride Electric Bikes, Not Toys

December 10, 2024 TruthUSA

Parents have been urged to reconsider purchasing an e-bike for their underage children this Christmas.

In Noosa, Queensland, an Australian father faced penalties for letting his two teenage sons ride electric motorbikes that were not registered.

Following this incident, police have cautioned parents to exercise caution when buying electric bikes for minors during the holiday season.

A 58-year-old man from Sunshine Beach received fines for allegedly permitting his 15 and 17-year-old boys to use unregistered bikes despite previous warnings.

The fines were part of Operation Zappo Stoppie, which focuses on addressing the use of electric motorbikes and non-compliant electric bicycles.

Senior constables Danny Baker and Tom Ayling from Noosa expressed concerns that children operating these types of electric bikes could be at risk of fatal accidents.

“We frequently receive complaints from worried community members regarding children riding electric motorcycles in ways that endanger not only themselves but also other road users and pedestrians. It is only a matter of time before we see someone severely injured or worse,” the constables stated.

Baker and Ayling noted that some younger individuals found breaking the rules on e-bikes will often progress to riding more powerful and road-legal sports motorcycles.

“These trends highlight the need for our focus to remain on electric dirt bikes, modified electric bikes, and road-registerable sports style motorcycles due to the heightened risk of injury or fatality for inexperienced riders and the public,” they conveyed.

“It’s alarming to witness children as young as 12 operating motorbikes that possess enough power to be classified as such.”

The constables further clarified that the regulations surrounding motorbikes remain unchanged, irrespective of whether they are powered by petrol or electricity.

“Just as an electric battery does not change a car into something other than a car, it also doesn’t transform a motorbike into a different vehicle,” they explained.

“We will persist with enforcement efforts like Operation Zappo Stoppie and educational outreach at local schools, but we also need parents to assist us in ensuring their children’s safety.”

Multiple Fines and Warnings

As a result of Operation Zappo Stoppie, police have issued warnings to 31 children under the age of 18, counted eight fines, and impounded three bikes over a span of five months since July 1.

“Authorities have also charged 24 individuals with 83 offences, including 21 counts of unlicensed driving, 20 counts of using an unregistered vehicle, 20 counts of driving an uninsured vehicle, along with two counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and one count of drink driving,” police reported.

While Operation Zappo Stoppie does not focus on electric scooters, police are still addressing the “dangerous and illegal” use of e-scooters through various enforcement and education initiatives.

Currently, police are investigating 18 additional incidents and 30 potential offences relating to electric bikes and motorbikes in Noosa.

Parents Cautioned About E-Bikes Before Christmas

The constables have also requested that parents evaluate whether it is appropriate for their child to ride an electric motorcycle or bike.

“With Christmas approaching, we urge parents to think carefully before buying an e-bike for a child who may not be legally able to ride it. Electric motorcycles and bikes are not toys,” they stressed.

“Parents can face fines or charges if they allow their children to operate unregistered vehicles or ride vehicles when unlicensed.”

What Are the Rules?

In Queensland, individuals must be at least 16 years old to ride an e-bicycle independently or aged 12 to 15 with adult supervision.

An electric bike is considered non-compliant if it has a petrol engine or an electric motor that can produce more than 200 watts.

“For instance, if your bike has a petrol engine attached at any point before or after purchase, it is deemed non-compliant,” states the Queensland government here.

“Additionally, if your bike’s motor can assist speeds exceeding 25km/h without ceasing, it qualifies as non-compliant.”

An electric bike with non-operational pedals that cannot propel it is also non-compliant. Problems arise if the bike can be solely powered by its motor without needing to pedal.

Such non-compliant bikes are only permitted on private property with no public access.

Furthermore, to operate an electric motorbike or electric dirt bike in Queensland, riders must be over 18 years of age, and the bike must be registered.

The previous Labor government allocated $2 million for rebates to assist Queensland residents in purchasing e-bikes and e-scooters.

Over 4,500 Queenslanders have applied for rebates of up to $500 for e-bikes and $200 for e-scooters.

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