A man has been arrested over alleged e-bike hooning in Albert Park earlier this year.
It's alleged that approximately 100 youths were riding dirt bikes, bicycles and e-bikes on Lakeside Drive on 8 February.
Just before 4pm, police received multiple calls about the group causing significant disruption to traffic, by blocking both lanes across Ross Gregory Drive.
One rider allegedly performed a burnout, which caused the wheel of his dirt bike to become wedged in chain bollards on the road. Two police members went to assist, however, they were surrounded by riders who began verbally abusing them.
The large group became increasingly aggressive toward police, with some using the wheels of their bikes to flick up rocks, hitting the police vehicle.
It will be alleged one rider of a modified e-bike used his back wheel to perform a stationary burnout against the police vehicle, causing damage to the rear.
Following enquiries, police from the Port Phillip Neighbourhood Policing Team executed a search warrant at a home on Camms Road, Cranbourne, at 6am on Tuesday 6 May.
During a search of the property, police seized a quantity of cannabis, cannabis seeds, electronic devices and clothing relevant to the investigation.
A 21-year-old man was arrested and charged with unlicensed driving, use unregistered motor vehicle, criminal damage, cultivate narcotic plant, and possess cannabis.
He was bailed to appear in Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 25 July.
Modified e-bicycles and e-scooters can be classified as motorcycles, depending on their power; if it exceeds 200 watts, it is classified as a motorcycle.
It's for this reason that riders are required to hold a valid licence and registration in accordance with the Road Safety Act before the e-bike or e-scooter can be ridden on the road.
Quotes attributable to South Melbourne Police Senior Sergeant Travis Costelow:
"Seeing such a large group of people - especially youths - attempting to not only intimidate police and other road users, but cause dangerous disruptions to traffic, is something we simply won't stand for.
"Riders of e-bikes must adhere to the same laws as every other road user.
"E-bikes can have the capability to travel at high speeds which can make riders more vulnerable to being seriously injured in an accident.
"We hear feedback from the community on a regular basis that the illegal use of e-bikes and e-scooters is something that really concerns them. Rest assured, our members are tasked with holding those riders to account."
