A 15-year-old boy has been arrested and charged after allegedly riding an illegal e-bike dangerously through Indooroopilly on Friday night.
Police from Indooroopilly General Duties responded to reports of a dangerous rider around 8:30pm on August 2 and located the teen at a Macdonald’s car park on Allwood Street.
It is alleged the teenager attempted to flee when officers directed him to stop, striking a parked car and knocking over a police officer in the process.
He was arrested shortly afterwards without further incident.
The boy, from Pimpama, has been charged with one count each of dangerous operation of a vehicle, unlicensed driving, using an unregistered vehicle, and driving an uninsured vehicle. He is being dealt with under the Youth Justice Act.
North Brisbane District Chief Inspector Corey Allen issued a warning to the public about the dangers and legal risks of operating non-compliant e-bikes.
“Everyone operating an e-bike or vehicle in public has a legal obligation to ensure it is compliant and road rules are being followed,” Inspector Allen said.
“I also encourage parents to be informed about the road classification of e-bikes they are buying for their children. These devices are not toys and in some circumstances are classified as a motor vehicle; requiring an operator’s licence for use and vehicle registration.
“Ultimately, this is for the safety of all road users, including the rider themselves.”
Brisbane police say they will continue to run targeted operations to detect and prevent the use of illegal e-bikes in public areas, with a focus on protecting pedestrians, road users and the riders themselves.
Non-compliant e-bikes—which are considered motor vehicles under Queensland law—include those with:
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Petrol-powered or internal combustion engines
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Electric motors generating over 200 watts
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Motors as the primary source of power
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Motors that assist at speeds over 25km/h without cutting out
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Non-functioning pedals or those not used to propel the bike
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Throttle-only operation without pedalling
Such vehicles are only permitted for use on private property with no public access.
Riders and parents are urged to familiarise themselves with Queensland’s electric bike laws and penalties for non-compliance. More information is available at https://streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au/electric-bikes
The Queensland Police Service remains committed to road safety and continues to educate the public on the ‘Fatal Five’ driving behaviours: speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing seatbelts, fatigue and distraction.
