Tweed Shire Council has welcomed the NSW Government's new legislation giving police and transport officers powers to address illegal e-bike use across the State.
The Road Transport Amendment (Non-registrable Motor Vehicles) Bill 2026 includes measures like roadside testing and strengthened enforcement powers targeting throttle-only, high-powered e-motorbikes which are being used illegally in public spaces.
The new laws allow officers to test whether an e-bike exceeds the legal 25 km/h speed limit at the roadside. Devices that do not meet the legal definition of a pedal-assisted e-bike - including those with throttle-only operation, excessive power output or modified speed limiters - are subject to seizure and crushing powers. NSW will be the first state to introduce roadside testing units for this purpose.
Tweed Shire Mayor Chris Cherry said Council welcomed the state's action as a direct response to what Tweed residents had been calling for.
"Our community has made it very clear that they want to feel safe on our shared pathways, in our town centres and in our neighbourhoods. This legislation reflects what residents across the Tweed have been telling us, and we are glad the state government has listened," Cr Cherry said.
On the 13 March, NSW Member for Tweed Geoff Provest, supported by Tweed Shire Council and Tweed-Byron Police, hosted a community meeting at Tweed Heads Civic Centre for residents to share their concerns about illegal e-bike use. People came from across the Shire describing e-bikes being ridden at dangerous speeds on footpaths, through shopping centres and in areas used by families and pedestrians.
"What came through at that meeting was a community that wants to get this right. Residents weren't anti e-bike - they were asking for safety and respect for shared spaces. Council will keep working with our community and with the state government to make sure those practical local needs are addressed," Cr Cherry said.
The NSW Government is reminding parents to check that any e-bike purchased for a child meets current legal requirements before use on public roads or pathways. Not all e-bikes sold in shops meet NSW's legal standard.
