Police seize illegal e-bikes in Torquay raid, teen charged

A Torquay teenager has been charged after police uncovered a stash of illegal e-bikes and mini bikes during a raid on Friday.

The 16-year-old was arrested after officers searched a local property and has since been bailed.

Police allege the illegal bikes had been ridden by young people within the Torquay area.

E-bikes have seen a spike in popularity in recent years and police have urged riders and parents to be aware of the laws relating to their use.

In Victoria e-bikes must be restricted to a maximum speed of 25km/h, have no more than 200w of power and be fitted with proper pedals.

They cannot be ridden on footpaths or on roads with a speed limit greater than 60km/h and must have appropriate lights if being used at night.

Helmets must also be worn.

E-bikes that do not align with these restrictions are considered motorbikes and require a licence to ride and must be registered with VicRoads. E-scooters, meanwhile, cannot be ridden by children under 16 years old.

The raid comes amid heightened scrutiny of e-bike use following a recent incident in Melbourne’s CBD in which a teenager struck a police officer with an e-bike.

Police are urging parents to remain vigilant through the school holiday period and ensure children are riding safely and within the law.