What’s Happening?
Townsville Highway Patrol officers have seized multiple unregistered and prohibited motorbikes as police target non-compliant devices across the region.
Officers recently seized bikes during separate incidents in Rosslea and Yabulu. The enforcement follows new legislation that took effect on 1 July, giving police the power to seize non-compliant devices.
Why It Matters
Police said the operation focuses on dangerous riding that poses risks to riders, pedestrians and other road users.
Townsville Highway Patrol Senior Sergeant Robert Nalder said officers had increased their focus on the devices following their rapid rise across Queensland.
“Like everywhere across Queensland, we’ve seen a rapid rise in e-mobility devices in the community, and also a concerning rise in dangerous behaviour on these devices,” Senior Sergeant Nalder said. “Dangerous riding behaviours like these not only put the riders at risk, but also other pedestrians and road users.”
Local Impact
On 10 September, officers attended Welsh Street in Rosslea and located a 17-year-old riding an illegally modified and unregistered e-bike. Police seized the bike.
Three days later, officers intercepted two teenage boys riding unregistered and prohibited motorbikes on Greenvale Street in Yabulu. Police also seized both bikes, while investigations into further offences remain ongoing.
By The Numbers
- Under 16 riders using non-compliant devices can lead to fines for their parents or guardians under the new legislation.
- About $4,500 is the estimated value of the illegally modified and unregistered e-bike seized in Rosslea.
- About $10,000 is the combined estimated value of the two unregistered and prohibited motorbikes seized in Yabulu.
Zoom In
The legislation also allows police to take action against people breaking the rules.
Senior Sergeant Nalder said the new powers would help officers remove dangerous devices from Townsville streets.
“With this new legislation, our officers have the power to seize and take these dangerous devices off Townsville streets, and take action against those flouting those rules,” he said.
Zoom Out
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by Townsville Highway Patrol to improve road safety awareness.
Police have placed a strategic focus on people riding in a dangerous manner because of the unacceptable risk to themselves and others.
What To Look For Next?
Investigations into further offences connected with the Yabulu intercepts remain ongoing. Senior Sergeant Nalder said riders could expect continued enforcement across Townsville.
“There is no excuse to be trying to get around these laws, and riders can expect our officers to be anywhere, anytime to locate and seize these devices.”
