Mullumbimby girl injured in alleged e-bike hit and run

A 10-year-old girl injured in an alleged e-bike collision at Mullumbimby has sparked renewed warnings from police amid growing concern over unsafe riding across the Northern Rivers.

Emergency services were called to Jubilee Avenue earlier this month following reports of a crash, with the rider allegedly leaving the scene before police arrived.

“The pedestrian, a 10-year-old girl, was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to hospital for treatment,” a NSW Police spokesperson said.

“Following inquiries, police have spoken with a 14-year-old boy who is assisting with inquiries, and a motorcycle has been seized.”

The incident comes amid growing concern across the Northern Rivers over the use of modified and high-powered e-bikes by children and teenagers.

In response to community complaints about speeding on footpaths, underage riders and illegally modified bikes, NSW Police have carried out targeted enforcement operations across the Tweed/Byron and Richmond police districts.

Recent operations have focused on school zones during drop-off and pick-up times, with police in Byron Bay and Ballina warning parents about legal restrictions surrounding high-powered petrol and electric bikes.

Children under 16 are prohibited from riding certain “fast” petrol-powered or high-output electric bikes on public roads and paths.

Police have also increased patrols along the Northern Rivers Rail Trail and coastal boardwalks, targeting unsafe riding behaviour and speed differences between e-bikes and pedestrians.

Police said school-aged teenagers and tourists account for many trauma injuries linked to e-bike incidents in the region.

Hospitalisations linked to e-bike crashes have also increased across the state, with St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney recording about 200 e-bike trauma presentations, with around 10 per cent of patients requiring intensive care treatment.

Common injuries include fractures to wrists, collarbones and lower limbs.

Police are reminding riders that operating throttle-only or heavily modified e-bikes that exceed the legal 25km/h assistance limit without registration can attract fines of more than $2000.

Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.