North Queensland police have taken strict action against children as young as 12 who are riding illegal electric bikes at alarming speeds on city streets. The crackdown has resulted in 12 infringement notices being issued in the Mackay–Whitsunday region. District Senior Sergeant Shane Edwards expressed concern over the rise in illegal e-bike use by minors, emphasizing the potential dangers posed by these high-powered vehicles.
An East Mackay man faced a hefty fine for allowing his 15-year-old son to ride a modified e-bike, highlighting the severity of the issue. The illegal e-bikes in question are not compliant with regulations and can reach speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour, far exceeding the legal limits set by state legislation. The misuse of these electric motorcycles has prompted law enforcement to take decisive measures to address the situation.
Zac Schwarzrock, a local e-bike repair specialist, has witnessed a surge in requests for repairs of illegal e-bikes in his shop. He noted that many of these bikes are regular models that have been unlawfully modified to increase their speed. Schwarzrock emphasized the safety risks associated with these modifications, as they can lead to structural damage and pose a threat to riders and other road users.
Despite the availability of legal e-bikes that adhere to speed restrictions, younger riders have shown little interest in purchasing them due to their limited speed capabilities. This preference for illegal modifications has raised concerns among authorities and industry experts about the need for stricter enforcement of regulations to ensure public safety.
In response to the escalating issue, Mackay police are set to introduce trail bike patrols to intercept offenders using illegal electric bikes. These specialized patrols aim to enhance enforcement efforts and curb the unlawful use of high-powered e-bikes on public roads. By deploying trail bikes for targeted operations, law enforcement hopes to deter individuals from engaging in risky behavior with non-compliant vehicles.
The surge in illegal e-bike use underscores the importance of promoting awareness about road safety and adhering to regulations governing electric vehicles. With the introduction of enhanced enforcement measures and public education campaigns, authorities seek to address the growing trend of minors riding high-powered e-bikes illegally, safeguarding both individuals and communities from potential harm.
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