Proposed crackdown laws on “ratbag” e-bike riders would give NSW police sweeping new powers to seize e-bikes under a major Opposition overhaul of road rules.
The move comes as political pressure builds over anti-social and dangerous e-bike behaviour in public spaces, with debate intensifying over how far enforcement should go.
Under a NSW Liberals and Nationals Government, riders labelled “ratbags” on e-bikes would face tougher consequences, including the immediate loss of their bikes under expanded police powers.
The Opposition will move to amend the Road Transport Amendment (Non-registrable Motor Vehicles) Bill 2026 to allow the NSW Police Force to seize any e-bike, regardless of its legality, if a rider’s behaviour is deemed to fall short of community standards.
Adults would have their bike seized for 14 days, while minors would be required to have a parent or guardian collect the device.
The proposed “rat-bag laws” build on earlier Opposition commitments around e-bikes, including a policy to introduce a licence plate scheme for certain rider cohorts if elected.
Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward said there was growing community frustration.
“People are sick of dodging ratbags on e-bikes … This is about consequences,” Mrs Ward said.
“If you ride responsibly, you have nothing to worry about. But if you’re tearing through shopping centres, abusing police or treating suburban streets like a racetrack, your e-bike will be taken.”
The Opposition amendments would allow NSW Police to seize even legal e-bikes based on a behaviour framework agreed between the Transport Minister and the NSW Police Commissioner.
As the Opposition does not have access to the NSW Police Force, it proposes regulations would set clear criteria for seizure, including dangerous or anti-social behaviour, reckless riding, intimidating the public, abusing police, and riding through private property and shopping centres.
Shadow Minister for Police Anthony Roberts said the Government’s approach was not strong enough to deal with community concerns.
“The NSW Liberals and Nationals are on the side of families, local communities and police officers who are sick of seeing the rules ignored with no meaningful deterrent,” Mr Roberts said.
Mrs Ward said the Government now faced a clear choice on how to respond.
“They can back commonsense powers for police, or they can keep protecting e-bike ratbags while communities suffer.”
In response to growing safety concerns, the NSW Government has introduced what it describes as “measured and staged reforms aimed at improving safety for riders, pedestrians and the wider community”.
The changes began rolling out from March this year with new European-style manufacturing standards and power limits.
A three-year transition period is now underway ahead of full compliance requirements coming into force from March 1, 2029, alongside ongoing consideration of a minimum rider age and expanded police enforcement powers.
