NSW Police and Transport for NSW officers seized 36 illegal e-bikes across four Sydney Northern Beaches suburbs in a crackdown that has sparked heated debate on social media. It marked the first use of new laws, introduced on 21 August, which allow authorities to seize and destroy illegal, modified or unregistered e-bikes and other vehicles used in public places. Officials say the move is about safety, but many Australians have criticised the operation as misplaced priorities, while others have welcomed the enforcement.

The operation, carried out on Friday across Manly, Curl Curl, Dee Why and Avalon, resulted in 16 penalty notices and 46 cautions for offences such as helmet and mobile phone breaches. Police confiscated one e-bike allegedly capable of exceeding 90km/h from a 14-year-old boy in Warriewood. Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander David Driver urged riders to ensure compliance with the rules, while Transport Secretary Josh Murray said e-bikes must operate like bicycles rather than motorcycles, capping powered speed at 25km/h, warning that non-compliant riders endanger other road users.