By Jaidyn Kennedy
A Point Cook man is calling for concerted community action to educate teenage riders of e-bikes about safety and compliance.
Muhammed Awais said he recently had a near-miss with a teenager on an e-bike that had no lights or indicators and was ‘nearly invisible’ when exiting a roadside parking space in his vehicle near the Point Cook Town Centre
He said he had spoken with other Wyndham residents who complained of similar incidents.
“There is no public awareness campaign to educate families on e-bike laws and road safety –law enforcement is lacking,” he said.
He said that addressing the issue is the responsibility of all Wyndham residents.
“The first step would be to at least discourage this bad behaviour and have a common voice,” he said.
“I feel that we are not upholding our responsibility
“I urge the Wyndham community, local council, and Victoria Police to step up, ensure compliance, and educate young riders before it’s too late.
“If we don’t act now, someone else has to act later on the cost of precious lives.”
A Wyndham council spokesperson said the use of e-bikes and e-scooters is regulated by the state government and that the enforcement of their use is a matter for Victoria Police.
“Wyndham City and Victoria Police are, however, working together to combat illegal trail bike use,” the spokesperson said.
“Wyndham City has loaned Victoria Police two motorbikes to help prevent illegal trail bike riding and hooning.”
A Victoria Police spokesperson said while legal e-bikes do not need to be registered and do not require a driver’s licence, if an e-bike is deemed overpowered it is considered a motorcycle and is subject to the same road rules as other motorcycles.
“We also engage with local communities and school groups to educate road users about the risks and consequences of illegal e-bike usage, and the applicable road rules.”
