Police have intercepted 35 e-bike riders during a two-day blitz targeting unsafe and unlawful behaviour by riders across the Gold Coast.
The dedicated operation, which will continue throughout the school holidays, saw 14 juveniles dealt with for a range of offences.
Among them was a 13-year-old Bonogin boy who police allege was riding an e-bike at more than 70 kilometres per hour along Christine Avenue before failing to stop at two red lights.
He was later intercepted and, following further investigation, was dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act.
The offences included driving of motor vehicle without a driver licence, vehicles used on roads must be registered, drive uninsured vehicle, disobeying the speed limit, and two counts of failing to stop on a red traffic light.
A 14-year-old boy, also riding an e-motorbike, was dealt with after allegedly evading police and committing dangerous operation of a vehicle. Additional offences included riding unregistered, uninsured, unlicensed, and failing to wear a helmet.
In another incident, a 15-year-old boy was intercepted on an e-motorbike, which was subsequently impounded by police.
He was dealt with for alleged offences including unlicensed driving, riding an unregistered and uninsured vehicle, operating a defective vehicle, failing to stop, driving without due care, and driving on a nature strip.
Police also dealt with a 16-year-old boy riding an e-motorbike under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act for eight separate offences.
Acting Superintendent Michelle Piket said the boy’s behaviour was particularly concerning and this is exactly the type of behaviour that leads to tragedy.
“We’ve already seen the devastating consequences when riders choose to travel at high speeds and neglect basic safety equipment like helmets,” Acting Superintendent Piket said.
“These machines are capable of travelling very quickly, but riders often don’t fully appreciate just how vulnerable they are when something goes wrong.”
“Our officers see young people trying to evade police or darting through heavy traffic, and when adrenaline kicks in, that’s when mistakes are made. Those mistakes can be catastrophic,” she said.
Alongside the e-bike enforcement, police also carried out broader road safety enforcement across the Gold Coast District as part of Operation Spring Break.
Over the two-day operation, officers conducted 70 roadside breath tests to check for drink-driving. A total of 33 traffic infringement notices were issued for a variety of offences.
Acting Superintendent Piket said police would maintain a visible presence on Gold Coast roads throughout the school holidays.
“Highway Patrol will continue these targeted operations. Our aim is to educate the community, particularly young people and their parents, about the risks involved. But when we see blatant and dangerous behaviour, we will take enforcement action to keep everyone safe,” she said.
“We know most people want to do the right thing, and we encourage all riders and drivers to take responsibility for their own safety”.
