MORE than 100 dangerous and illegal e-bikes and e-scooters have been seized under the Crisafulli Government’s tough new e-mobility laws, with offenders warned the crackdown is only just beginning.

Queensland Police Service (QPS) has reported strong enforcement results in the first two weeks of Operation Yankee Surety with more than 420 traffic infringement notices issued for failing to adhere to the road rules since the operation commenced on July 1.

The laws target dangerous riding behaviour, illegal high-powered devices, speeding, drink riding, helmet offences and other unlawful conduct, and give police the ability to seize and destroy illegal devices, conduct random breath testing of riders in public places and issue tougher penalties for dangerous offences.

Under Operation Yankee Surety, police across the state have taken a coordinated, targeted approach to ensure the safety of all road users, including pedestrians and those riding e-mobility devices.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services and Ninderry MP Dan Purdie said there was no excuse for riders who ignored the law.

“The free ride is over – if you’re riding an illegal e-bike or e-scooter, putting pedestrians at risk or treating public spaces like your own racetrack, expect to be caught,” Minister Purdie said.

Teenager’s illegal bike seized  
Among those whose devices were seized was a 16-year-old Sunshine Coast boy, who Kawana Waters Police intercepted at about 1.10pm on July 7 after they observed him run a red light, perform a wheel stand and weave through traffic on Nicklin Way, Buddina.

Kawana Waters Police and officers from Caloundra and Nambour Child Protection Investigation Units followed the boy to a local business, where, upon inspection, they determined the device was a non-compliant e-motorcycle.

The boy was dealt with under the Youth Justice Act for charges of dangerous operation of a vehicle, unlicensed driving, driving an uninsured vehicle and driving an unregistered vehicle, and the device was seized by police.

Emergency Response and Coordination Command Assistant Commissioner Rhys Wildman said that these results highlight the importance of the operation’s strong presence across the state.

“Operation Yankee Surety is about detecting, intercepting and deterring dangerous riding behaviours, and making it clear to Queenslanders that unsafe behaviour will not be tolerated.

“It is disappointing to see more than 450 infringements issued for reckless riding in just under two weeks; however, this reinforces how important it is that our officers are out every day disrupting these dangerous behaviours and ensuring riders understand their responsibility while making our roads and public spaces safe.”

Assistant Commissioner Wildman also reminded riders, parents and guardians of the importance of following the road rules.

“Crashes can be prevented through safe and lawful riding behaviours, and by enforcing the road rules… however, enforcement alone cannot save lives. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility – and that responsibility extends to every rider to adhere to the rules, wear an approved helmet, ride at safe speeds and ensure their device complies.”

Operation Yankee Surety will run until 30 June 2027, and police will continue to proactively engage with the community and enforce the rules to create safe roads and paths.

For more information about e-mobility laws and safety, visit https://streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au/e-bikes-e-scooters/.