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Victoria Police are ramping up efforts to tackle the growing issue of illegal and overpowered e-bikes on Melbourne’s roads, as the number of crashes involving e-bikes continues to climb.
The new initiative, Operation Consider, launched on Wednesday and involves police patrols on foot, by bike, motorcycle, and highway patrol vehicles to enforce e-bike compliance in the CBD.
In Victoria, e-bikes with motors above 250 watts must be registered as motorbikes.Credit: Paul Rovere
The rise in e-bike crashes has been a point of concern for police, with new data revealing a significant increase in e-bike injuries.
In 2023, there were 79 recorded e-bike crashes. This figure jumped by 82 per cent in 2024, with 144 reported incidents.
Early analysis of 2025 data shows there were at least 113 e-bike crashes as of July 30. The recorded incidents include fatal, serious injury, and non-injury crashes involving e-bikes.
Under current regulations, there are two types of legal e-bikes in Victoria. The first is the electrically powered-assisted cycle (EPAC), which features a motor that cannot exceed 250 watts, with a maximum speed limit of 25km/h. Riders of these bikes are required to pedal to engage the motor.
The second type is a power-assisted bicycle, which also features a motor but does not require pedalling to activate. The motor’s power output cannot exceed 200 watts for these bikes.
Any e-bike that exceeds these power or speed limits, or has a motor that is not considered a secondary source of propulsion, is considered overpowered. Such bikes are classified as motorcycles, meaning they must follow the same road rules, including requirements for licensing, registration, and penalties for drug and alcohol-related offences.
As part of the operation, police will target riders using overpowered or non-compliant e-bikes. Riding an unregistered vehicle can result in a $1018 fine.
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Police will also use handheld speed detection devices to catch riders speeding, with fines ranging from $254 for speeds less than 10 km/h over the limit, to $1018 and possible vehicle impoundment for speeds 45km/h or more over the limit.
Road Policing Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir said the recent rise of e-bikes in Melbourne led to a rise in road trauma involving these 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,” he 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.”
Weir said that while education is a priority, police would not hesitate to issue fines for non-compliance, particularly if it endangered other road users.
“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.”
The operation will continue for the coming months as part of a broader effort to reduce road trauma.
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This increased focus on e-bikes comes on the heels of a coroner’s recommendation made last month, recommending that all e-bikes be classified as motorcycles rather than bicycles.
The recommendation followed the tragic death of a cyclist in Melbourne, with coroner Audrey Jamieson urging authorities to consider requiring e-bikes to be registered.
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