On Wednesday, around 40 illegal ebikes and e-motorcycles swarmed Sydney Harbour Bridge, sparking alarm in Australia. Health Minister Mark Butler declared the situation a "real emergency." He called illegal ebikes “a total menace on the road” and demanded urgent action. “Kids have done stupid things on bikes ever since the penny-farthing [but] the injuries that are coming into our hospital emergency departments are absolutely devastating,” Butler said on Friday. He added police must have powers to seize and destroy these dangerous machines. Ebikes have been praised for easing city traffic and pollution and helping Australians save money and exercise. But the downside is alarming. New South Wales reported 226 ebike injuries in 2024; by the first seven months of 2025, injuries rose to 233 along with four deaths. Queensland reported 239 crashes this year involving legal ebikes, including four fatal crashes. For teens like 16-year-old Ben Boucher, ebikes offer freedom and quick school commutes. "It's just easier to get around," said Ben from Manly. Yet, he worries about younger kids riding without knowing road rules. Sydney bike shop owner Francisco Furman saw sales boom since 2022 but faced cancellations after a rental ebike death in December. NSW Premier Chris Minns called the ebike surge “trying to close the barn door,” with nearly a million on Sydney streets. Relaxed import rules in 2021 helped the ebike flood. New laws from late 2025 limit motor power to 250 watts and speed to 25 km/h for road-legal ebikes. NSW has reduced allowed power from 500 to 250 watts. However, retailers warn many ebikes are still tuned illegally for higher speeds. Many buyers prefer fast, non-road legal models meant only for private land but often taken on public roads. Police in Melbourne intercepted illegal ebikes making up over half of seizures in a recent operation. Victoria Police’s assistant commissioner Glenn Weir said there’s a “clear lack of understanding, or blatant disregard, for compliance.” Calls grow to stop group “rideouts” of ebike riders on city streets. Some politicians want “ebikie gangs” banned. Regular riders like Kieran and Elle, who ride safely, say reckless groups give them a bad name. Bike Life Australia organizer Daz said police have started cracking down on large rides with move-on orders and fines. He noted the social draw of riding in groups and doing tricks, saying “the boys need it.” Bicycle NSW calls for better education of riders, parents, and sellers instead of heavy-handed policing. They are testing school programs to raise road safety awareness. Fifteen-year-old Sydney student Max shared a class experience showing helmet safety. He rides cautiously but worries some of his friends and their parents don’t realise ebikes can exceed 50 km/h. The Australian government is pushing for tighter rules, stronger police powers, and education to curb the rising tide of ebike injuries and deaths.