A sweeping crackdown is underway across the Mackay Whitsunday District as police zero in on the rising tide of illegal electric motorbike and Personal Mobility Device (PMD) use.
Under Operation Wolfking, officers have ramped up enforcement efforts, conducting 18 targeted street checks since the beginning of the year—uncovering a concerning pattern of non-compliance and unsafe riding practices on local roads.
The operation aims to identify, disrupt and prevent the illegal use of electric motorcycles and bolster road safety in the Mackay area.
Police have issued 12 infringement notices including riding an e-bike unregistered, unlicensed, or uninsured, and riding a PMD on a prohibited road or failing to wear an approved helmet.
A parent received more than $700 in infringement notices for allegedly permitting their 15-year-old son to ride a modified e-bike.
The 50-year-old East Mackay man was fined with permitting drive of an uninsured bike, permitting drive of defective vehicle, and permitting use of an unregistered motorbike.
Police have also charged six people with 24 offences, including driving unlicensed, driving uninsured, driving unregistered, and driving a defective vehicle.
Those charged, aged between 13 and 16, received a notice of caution.
Mackay Whitsunday District Highway Patrol Officer in Charge, Senior Sergeant Shane Edwards, said the latest trend in e-bikes is concerning.
“We are seeing frequent instances of children sometimes as young as 12 riding high-powered non-compliant electric motorcycles, sometimes on busy streets around towns.”
“These e-bikes are often dangerous to the rider and other motorists and pedestrians on our roads and pathways.”
“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, and we will be addressing the dangerous and illegal use of e-bikes in our communities to ensure no one is seriously injured or killed.”
Senior Sergeant Edwards said the operation will also aim to provide children and parents with a better understanding of the road rules and legislation surrounding e-bikes within the district.
“Parents can be fined or even charged for allowing their children to ride these vehicles if unlicensed, unregistered, or modified.”
“Electric bikes are not toys, and the rules around the use of an electric bike are the same as a motorbike, regardless of being powered by an electric battery instead of petrol.”
“Mackay motorists can expect to see an increased presence throughout the Easter school holidays with an increase in e-bike users expected.”
Operation Wolfking is ongoing and will be providing enforcement and education through a high visibility police presence in the Mackay area and educational initiatives at local schools.
The Queensland Police Service is committed to reducing the number of lives lost on our roads.
Data shows that serious crashes can be significantly reduced when drivers recognise and avoid the ‘Fatal Five’ behaviours: speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing seatbelts, fatigue and distraction.
Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. Learn more about staying safe on Queensland roads: https://www.police.qld.gov.au/initiatives/fatal-five-staying-safe-roads
Operation Wolfking targets illegal e-bike and PMD use in Mackay, with police issuing fines and charges to improve road safety. Photo source: Queensland Police
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