Victoria Police is launching a new operation targeting reckless e-bike riders.
Launched on Wednesday, August 6, Operation Consider, involves members from Victoria Police’s State Highway Patrol and Solo Unit teaming up with the North West Metro Bike Patrol in Melbourne’s CBD to crack down on e-bike compliance and safety.
It comes as the number of collisions involving e-bikes has increased significantly year-on-year.
New police data shows 79 e-bike collisions were recorded in 2023, jumping up 82 per cent the following year with 144 e-bike collisions recorded in 2024.
Provisional analysis of 2025 collision data indicates there were at least 113 e-bike collisions as of July 30.
The operation will involve police members patrolling on foot and using bicycles, motorcycles and highway patrol vehicles to target riders using overpowered and illegal e-bikes.
Road Policing Assistant Commissioner, Glenn Weir said the increasing popularity of e-bikes had unfortunately been mirrored by an increasing amount of road trauma incidents involving the vehicles.
“Nine times out of 10, the e-bikes involved in these collisions are either overpowered, non-compliant or they are not being used in accordance with the road rules,” Assistant Commissioner Weir said.
“We acknowledge there may be some confusion among the community when it comes to e-bikes, however the onus is on riders to ensure they understand and comply with the rules before using their e-bike.
“That means ensuring the e-bike does not exceed the power or speed requirements and that the rider adheres the road rules applicable to all cyclists – such as wearing a helmet, not using a mobile phone or device while riding, using bicycle lanes and obeying traffic lights.
“Victoria Police will be increasing its focus on e-bikes and we will particularly be on the lookout for reckless riders who are blatantly disregarding the rules.
“While education is always our preference, we won’t hesitate to issue infringements for non-compliance – particularly if it involves putting other road users at risk.
“We’re putting e-bike riders on notice – check your bike, make sure it’s compliant and obey the rules – failure to do so and there could be some hefty penalties coming your way.”
For more information, visit: https://www.police.vic.gov.au/road-safety-0
