Officers from Cairns Highway Patrol Unit have charged a 15-year-old Clifton Beach boy in relation to alleged electric motorbike offences.
On 11 April, police responded to reports of a number of young people that were riding e-devices and illegal electric motorbikes near a Redlynch fast-food restaurant.
Police will allege the 15-year-old boy was unlicenced and was riding an uninsured electric motorcycle which did not comply with Australia safety standards and was not wearing a motorbike helmet.
To be considered an e-bike, and for an e-bike to be legally used on public roads and footpaths, pedals must be the primary source of power, the motor must only provide assistance up to 25km/h and the maximum continuous motor output must be 250 watts or under.
He was charged with three counts of trespass and one count each of driving of motor vehicle without a driver licence, vehicles used on roads must be registered, drive uninsured vehicle, light vehicle must not be driven or parked on a road if defective, not wearing motorbike helmet, obstruct police officer, commit public nuisance, unlawful possession of suspected stolen property, common assault, wilful damage, and stealing.
He is due to appear in the Cairns Childrens Court on 15 April.
Officers also seized a second electronic motorbike and a e-scooter for further investigations.
Several other children and their PMDs were collected by their parents.
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) is dedicated to ensuring community safety and promoting safe road practices for all users, including those one mobility devices such as PMDs.
Officers regularly conduct proactive operations across the state targeting e mobility devices, including e bikes, PMDs, e scooters, and electric motorbikes.
Riders who operate unregistered, unlicensed, or modified e-mobility devices put themselves and others at significant risk.
Inspector Gary Hunter said a powerful bike in the hands of an unlicenced and inexperienced driver is extremely dangerous to not only the rider, but also to other road users.
“Beyond enforcement, police are committed to educating the community about the dos and don’ts regarding e-bikes to ensure they’re empowered to make smart decisions on the road,” Inspector Hunter said.
“I especially urge parents to be familiar with the regulations and road rules regarding e-bikes and to work with their child to understand and respect those rules.
“This is all aimed at reducing the significant road trauma, fatalities and life-changing injuries we have seen from the use of the e-bikes.”
For more information on riding e-bikes: https://streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au/electric-bikes/
