A call for stricter measures against electric bicycles has emerged following footage of 40 e-bike users and motorcyclists being seen riding recklessly on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
In a set of videos shared on social media, the convoy is shown matching and exceeding the speeds of nearby vehicles while driving and performing wheelies on roads close to the Sydney landmark on Tuesday afternoon.
The group appears to be primarily composed of young males, and one of the riders in the video seems to be dressed in a school uniform.
A video captures officers trying to halt them, but the riders easily pass by the policeman's motorcycle.
Police eventually located the group at Mrs Macquarie's Chair and spoke with them before the riders went their separate ways.
"Joy rides on the Sydney Harbour Bridge are foolish, dangerous and an insult to the police and the public," said NSW opposition transport spokesperson Natalie Ward.
"These kids know they are unaccountable and untouchable until there is compulsory licence plates, enforcement and accountability."
Ms. Ward contends that implementing license plates for every e-bike would enhance responsibility.
"Labour continues to fixate on power levels, speed limits and technical specifications," she stated.
NSW Premier Chris Minns hinted at potential modifications following his administration's decision not to establish a reporting mechanism for non-compliant devices and unsafe riding practices.
He also condemned Ms Ward for permitting powerful e-bikes to be excluded from road registration during her time as a cabinet minister.
"The present circumstances are unacceptable and pose a risk," the leader stated to journalists on Wednesday.
It's unfortunate that the initial choice (by Ms Ward) was to use a 500-watt output instead of a 250-watt one, as we are now facing a scenario where we're attempting to secure the barn door after nearly a million of these devices are already on Sydney's streets.
We'll share more soon.
Apart from having a maximum power of 500 watts, e-bike batteries are only capable of providing pedal assistance and stop functioning once the vehicle attains a speed of 25km/h.
Any item that goes beyond those power or speed thresholds needs to be registered as a moped or motorcycle.
Law enforcement already possesses the authority to confiscate vehicles that are not compliant with road regulations.
It mentioned that the Harbour Bridge convoy was observed traveling on roads, with no injuries reported and no property or vehicle damage recorded.
Electric bikes, which often cost over $2000, along with other powerful vehicles, have sparked significant debate in various areas of Australia.
A young man is facing trial for murder following the alleged death of a 59-year-old individual while he was operating an unregistered electric scooter in a park in Perth during July.
Over 100 unlawful devices were confiscated and 2100 penalties issued to riders as part of a Queensland police operation in December.
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