By Wei Heng Siah and Tyson Parker
Hooligans are ignoring the State Government’s tough new e-bike laws, tearing up cricket grounds at Shailer Park just days after the tough new penalties came into force.
Springwood Suns Cricket Club president Steven Grey said it was early days yet, but he had hoped the new laws would be a deterrent.
Mr Grey said the club had been hit with a repair bill totalling $12,000-$15,000 in damages to its fields in the past 12 months from e-bike riders hooning all over the fields.
“They’re still causing damage on the grounds,” Mr Grey said.
“In the last three days we’ve had people going onto the main oval. We’ve got tire marks,” he said.
New e-mobility laws that came into force on July 1 give police power to seize illegal devices, conduct roadside breath tests on e-bike, bicycle, e-scooter and personal mobility device riders in public places, and issue fines to parents or guardians of children under 16 riding non-compliant devices.
Queensland Police launched Operation Yankee Surety on July 1, with officers targeting unsafe riding and illegal devices over the next 12 months.
The statewide operation covers electrically powered assisted cycles, e-scooters and other personal mobility devices.
Emergency Response and Coordination Command Assistant Commissioner Rhys Wildman said the operation was aimed at keeping riders and other road users safe.
“Queensland police have witnessed a rapid rise in the use of e-mobility devices across Queensland, and while they offer convenience, they must be used safely and lawfully,” Assistant Commissioner Wildman said.
“We want all riders to understand that rules exist for a reason, and dangerous behaviours and non-compliant devices place not just the rider, but the entire community, at risk of tragic crashes, injuries and death.”
“Our message is simple – ride legally, wear a helmet, know the rules and make smart decisions,” Assistant Commissioner Wildman said.
Police said 12 people died on e-mobility devices in Queensland last year, with another four deaths recorded since the start of 2026.
Under the new laws, devices faster than 25km/h are banned and e-scooters and other personal mobility devices must be restricted so they cannot exceed 25km/h.
E-bike motors can only assist riders up to 25km/h, although e-bikes can be ridden faster under pedal power.
A 12km/h speed limit applies on footpaths and when passing pedestrians on shared paths.
Further changes will apply from August 31, when riders must generally be 16 and hold a licence, although exemptions will apply for some medical conditions, disabilities and supervised riders aged 12 to 17.
More information is available through the StreetSmarts e-bike and e-scooter safety website.
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