Community & Business
25 February, 2026
"Dennis the e-scooter menace" faces state-wide and local crackdown
"Dennis the e-scooter menace" faces state-wide and local crackdown
Along with new state-wide rules for e-bikes (Electrically Power-Assisted Cycles) and e-scooters, Gilgandra Shire Council will install new signage outlining the prohibition of these vehicles in the Gilgandra CBD and long the Windmill Walk.
The new signage was endorsed unanimously by councillors at last week’s February council meeting, following an increase in community complaints and an approach by local police.
The signs will be installed on the existing alcohol-free zone sign poles. Fines for e-scooter riders start at around $700, and riders who are illegally riding an e-scooter in a public place are not insured like other road users are with third-party accident cover.
Earlier this month, the NSW government announced a state-wide crackdown on e-bikes and e-scooters following an increase in safety incidents and a flood of dangerous over-powered vehicles. Under the new laws if an e-bike is found to be non-compliant at the roadside, the government is empowering NSW Police to confiscate and crush it.
From February 1, 2026, all e-bikes must also meet the European Standard EN 15194 – which means that bikes can only go up to 25 kilometres per hour (250-watt power limit), with a cut out limit. Bikes must also meet battery standards to ensure safety from fire. NSW Fair Trading has an online list of products that meet the standards.
State minister for roads, Jenny Aitchison, said the electric vehicle issue was not just a city problem. “Communities across regional NSW are dealing with illegal e-bikes being ridden at dangerous speeds on footpaths, local roads and town centres, and too many people are being seriously injured. Strengthened seizure and crushing powers for NSW Police will target the growing number of throttle-only, overpowered e-motorbikes that are fuelling anti-social behaviour, community frustration and serious injuries,” she said.
E-bikes are legal to be ridden on the road, in bicycles lanes, and shared paths. Personal/privately owned e-scooters are illegal on roads, footpaths, and public areas. They can only be used on private property, by riders aged 16 and over. Helmets are required for both vehicles and the same blood alcohol limits apply to riders. However, you don’t need a driver’s license for a e-bike or e-scooter.
