Gold Coast police are collaborating with local schools to promote safe and responsible e-bike use as part of ongoing community engagement.
With e-bikes and e-motorbikes becoming increasingly popular among young people, officers from the Gold Coast have been visiting schools to speak with students about the laws, risks and responsibilities associated with riding.
Acting Superintendent Kayleen James said educating young riders early was critical as police continued to see unsafe and illegal e-bike behaviour across the Coast.
"E-bikes are a fantastic transport option for young people, but only when they're used safely and within the law," Acting Superintendent James said.
"We're seeing some young riders using modified or high-powered electric bikes that are capable of significant speeds. These devices can easily cross into the category of unregistered and uninsured motorbikes, and that puts the rider and everyone around them at real risk."
When engaging with schools and their students, officers demonstrate helmet compliance, safe speeds, and the legal differences between standard e-bikes and illegally modified machines. Officers then check any e-bikes at the school to ensure they are compliant and safe for use.
Executive Principal of Palm Beach Currumbin State High School, Chris Capra, said the school had more than 500 students who travel to and from school each day on e-bikes, and ensuring their safety is a key priority.
"With so many of our students relying on e-bikes as their main mode of transport, it's essential that they understand not just how to ride safely, but how to ride legally," Mr Capra said.
"We've been working proactively this year to educate our students about road safety, and we welcome the partnership with Gold Coast police to reinforce those messages."
Mr Capra said the school is committed to e-bike safety and has implemented safety measures including ongoing communication with students and families about safe riding behaviours.
"This is about keeping our young people safe before and after school.
"We want every student who rides an e-bike to arrive safely, leave safely, and make choices that protect their wellbeing and the safety of others."
Acting Superintendent James said collaborating with schools showcased how the community and police can work together to strengthen safety outcomes for young people.
"Community safety starts with education. If we can reach kids early and help them understand the risks, the laws and the consequences, we can prevent serious injuries before they happen.
"We want young people to enjoy e-bikes - but we want them to get home safely."
The school engagement forms part of Operation Surety, a state-wide road safety initiative targeting dangerous and unlawful e-mobility use.
Police will continue education and enforcement activity across the Gold Coast, focusing on rider behaviour, helmet compliance, speed, and safe interactions with pedestrians and motorists.
The Queensland Police Service is committed to reducing the number of lives lost on our roads.
Data shows that serious crashes can be significantly reduced when drivers recognise and avoid the 'Fatal Five' behaviours: speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing seatbelts, fatigue and distraction.
Road safety is everyone's responsibility. Learn more about staying safe on Queensland roads: https://www.police.qld.gov.au/initiatives/fatal-five-staying-safe-roads
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
