Dozens of high-powered and illegal electric bikes, or ebikes, have been seized by police on Sydney’s northern beaches in a recent operation. The effort was part of a broader initiative with the New South Wales (NSW) government to enforce regulations around ebike use. Police reported seizing 36 "illegal ebikes" during the operation, which came after a series of incidents involving reckless and dangerous use of such vehicles. One of the bikes taken belonged to a 14-year-old boy from Warriewood and had the potential to reach speeds of more than 90km/h — far above the legal limit. Under new legislation, NSW police now have the power to destroy ebikes that exceed the legal speed limit. Owners of seized bikes have 14 days to inform police whether the vehicle was stolen and being used by someone else. If not, the bikes will be crushed. The law also allows police to seize ebikes that do not automatically cut off power assistance at 25km/h, ensuring they comply with safety standards. To enforce these rules, the government has invested in portable speed-testing devices called "dyno units." These were used during the northern beaches operation to test the power output of suspect ebikes. One test revealed an ebike could reach over 40km/h simply by clicking the throttle — far beyond the legal limit. In 2024, NSW recorded 226 injuries related to ebikes, and by the first seven months of 2025, that number had already risen to 233 injuries, with four fatalities. Transport for NSW secretary Josh Murray emphasized that while most ebike users follow the law, a small number of people are endangering others by breaking the rules. He stressed the importance of safety and said operations like this will continue with support from Transport for NSW to ensure compliance with updated regulations. During the operation, police also issued 16 penalty notices and 46 cautions for other road offenses, including not wearing a helmet, using a mobile phone while riding, and having multiple people on a single bike. The new laws were introduced shortly after an incident where around 40 ebikes and e-motorcycles were seen riding on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Footage of the event showed riders, including those on so-called "fat bikes," traveling on the Western Distributor and performing stunts. This led Federal Health Minister Mark Butler to describe ebikes as a "total menace" and call for stricter measures, including the power to stop these vehicles from entering the country and to crush and destroy them.