35 Illegal E-Bikes Destroyed as Police Crack Down in Tweed Heads
Thirty-five illegally operated e-bikes seized during a series of police operations across the Tweed region have been destroyed, as authorities continue their crackdown on dangerous and unlawful riding behaviour.
The destruction follows almost a year of targeted enforcement under Operation Cyclesafe and Operation E-Voltage, which have seen officers from the Tweed/Byron Police District engage with hundreds of e-bike riders throughout the region.
Over the past 10 months, police have conducted numerous operations focused on identifying riders using modified or illegally operated e-bikes on roads, footpaths and public spaces. As a result, 35 e-bikes were confiscated and later subjected to court-issued forfeiture orders allowing them to be permanently seized and destroyed.
On 21 May 2026, police removed the batteries from the confiscated bikes before transporting them to a waste management facility where they were dismantled and destroyed.
The action marks one of the largest e-bike forfeiture operations undertaken in northern New South Wales and reflects growing community concerns about the misuse of high-powered electric bikes.
Tweed/Byron Police District Inspector Matthew Woods said police would continue to target riders who fail to comply with road rules and legislative requirements.
“Operations will continue to be undertaken by both uniformed and plain-clothes police targeting the illegal use of e-bikes,” Inspector Woods said.
He said local residents had repeatedly raised concerns about dangerous riding and anti-social behaviour involving a small number of riders.
“The community is frustrated by the anti-social behaviour of a minority, and they continue to report incidents to police,” he said.
“All information and intelligence received from the community is acted upon and greatly appreciated. This information has contributed to the seizure and destruction of these e-bikes.”
Inspector Woods stressed that police would continue to investigate reports and take enforcement action where necessary.
“The message is simple and clear: ride safely and in accordance with legislative guidelines, or risk losing your bike,” he said.
The growing popularity of e-bikes has led to increased scrutiny by police and transport authorities, particularly where bikes have been modified to exceed legal speed limits or operate without the required safety features.
Police say riders should ensure their e-bikes comply with Australian regulations and that they understand where and how the vehicles can legally be used.
While 35 bikes have already been destroyed, enforcement action is far from over. Police confirmed a further 23 forfeiture applications remain before the courts, with additional bikes potentially facing the same fate if the applications are successful.
Authorities are urging residents to continue reporting dangerous riding behaviour as efforts to improve safety across the Tweed and Byron regions continue.
