Teenagers Clocked at 120kph on E-Bike, But No Charges Yet
Police report that two teenage boys were seen riding an electric dirt bike at 120 kilometres per hour on the Gold Coast, but they haven’t been formally charged.
The teens, aged 16 and 17, were allegedly performing wheelstands and riding recklessly on the Sundale Bridge in Southport around 1am on Saturday.
Monitored from above by the police helicopter, officers waited until the bike’s battery died before approaching the pair.
According to a Queensland Police spokesperson, the investigation is ongoing and no charges have been filed at this time.
“Officers are still reviewing all available footage to determine who is responsible for the alleged offences,” the spokesperson said.
Acting Superintendent Jason Tuffley of the Gold Coast Police noted that the bike could not be registered and isn’t legal for road use. “These bikes can reach extreme speeds, but they’re not registered and the riders typically don’t have the proper licence,” he explained. “They’re essentially off-road trail bikes.”
Call for Legislative Action
The Queensland government has launched a parliamentary inquiry into e-scooter and e-bike usage in response to growing safety concerns and community complaints.
Earlier this year, a similar investigation in New South Wales concluded that regulations for e-bikes, e-scooters, and other mobility devices urgently need updating.
Last year, eight fatalities in Queensland were linked to e-bike and e-scooter incidents, with related injuries rising sharply.
Superintendent Tuffley emphasized the need for the inquiry, noting the challenges police face in dealing with the increasing prevalence of these vehicles.
“It’s complicated,” he said. “Most of the riders are underage, unlicensed, and not qualified to travel at such speeds. Chasing them isn’t in anyone’s best interest. If this issue isn’t tackled soon, it’s only going to get worse.”
Push for Tech-Based Solutions
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate expressed concern over the continued disregard for road rules by e-bike users. He believes current laws aren’t keeping up with the problem and advocates for technological solutions.
“We need every e-bike to have built-in speed controls,” Cr Tate said. “In certain zones, the top speed should be capped at 20km/h, automatically slowing bikes as they enter.”
He proposed this technology could be implemented in collaboration with the state government, arguing it’s more effective than new laws alone.
Tate also suggested using education programs that expose young riders to crash survivors and trauma cases, paired with a hard-hitting public awareness campaign.
“Show them the real consequences,” he said. “Let them see that it’s not just their lives at risk — they’re endangering others too.”
