Victoria Police initiated a fresh crackdown on e-bikes in Melbourne on Aug. 6, following a spike in crashes.

In 2024, around 144 collisions on Victorian roads involved e-bikes, compared to 79 in 2023. The figure is expected to keep climbing this year, with police data showing that around 113 e-bike crashes were recorded in the first seven months of 2025.

Between 2016 and 2021, there were 14 reported deaths to coroners where e-bikes, e-scooters, or electronic self-balancing devices were identified as contributing factors, based on data from the Monash University Accident Research Centre.

In 90 percent of cases, crashes involved e-bikes that were overpowered, failed to meet safety regulations, or were ridden by individuals who disregarded road rules, Victoria’s Road Policing Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir said.

Weir acknowledged community “confusion” over e-bikes but emphasised that it’s the rider’s responsibility to ensure their bikes don’t exceed power or speed limits, and that they follow general cycling laws, such as wearing a helmet.

“We will particularly be on the lookout for reckless riders who are blatantly disregarding the rules,” he said.

The senior officer attributed the increase in crashes to the growing popularity of e-bikes, rather than any changes in rider behaviour.

E-bikes are generally classified into two legal categories: those with a maximum speed of 25km/h that require pedals to start or those with a handlebar throttle.

Bikes that exceed this speed limit or primarily rely on motor power are classified as motorcycles, riders of which must adhere to road regulations, including licensing, registration, and face penalties for offenses such as drunk or drug-impaired driving.

Using an unregistered vehicle results in an immediate fine of $1,018, while using a mobile phone or electronic device while riding incurs a $611 fine.

The Victorian state’s move comes after Queensland announced big changes to the regulation of e-bikes.

Queensland Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg acknowledged on Aug. 1 that the rules and risks of e-mobility devices are a “widespread community concern,” and that a total ban on them will not be excluded.

“I’m prepared to look at any solutions that are going to address safety,” Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg previously told the ABC.

“The reality is they do have benefit in our community, but there’s also situations right now where the risk does not justify their use.”

The Queensland government has inquired into e-mobility safety and use in May, with the final report due in March 2026.

The Australian Medical Association previously called for a national body to create a comprehensive safety strategy and regulations in response to the increasing number of injuries associated with e-bikes.

“Doctors around the country have seen a massive spike in injuries,” emergency medicine representative Sarah Whitelaw said on July 31.

“Complex limb injuries, young people with facial injuries that will impact them for the rest of their lives, chest injuries and brain injuries.

“We need, right now, a national body that’s set up to bring all this information together and have a national approach, not this piecemeal state and territory approach.”

AAP contributed to this report.

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