Brisbane police have ramped up enforcement against riders using non-compliant e-bikes, e-scooters and e-motorbikes, with Sandgate’s foreshore among the key locations being targeted under Operation Xray Surety.
The operation, which began in early November, has already resulted in 150 traffic infringement notices being issued across the Brisbane region as of 9 November, according to Queensland Police Service media.
Police are conducting patrols across the city, from the riverside of the inner CBD to the foreshores at Wynnum and Sandgate, as well as suburbs including Inala and Indooroopilly. Officers are focusing on devices that don’t meet safety standards or are being ridden illegally.
South Brisbane District Inspector Mat Kelly said police are seeing too many instances of non-compliant devices creating safety risks for riders, road users and pedestrians.
“We urge riders or parents who have already bought their child a device to check whether it is compliant. Don’t just assume,” Inspector Kelly said in the police statement.
The crackdown builds on existing police efforts, including community engagement with riders and parents, safety education sessions at local schools, and enforcement action when devices are found to be non-compliant or ridden dangerously.
Among recent cases, a 59-year-old Capalaba man was allegedly caught running two red lights while riding an unregistered electric motorcycle without a licence on 5 November. He received five traffic infringement notices totalling more than $2,400 in fines (QP2501999250).
The following morning, a 19-year-old Indooroopilly man was intercepted riding a non-compliant e-bike along the bikeway near the Eastern Busway in Dutton Park. He received five fines totalling $1,756 for offences including riding unregistered, driving without appropriate authorisation, and failing to wear a helmet (QP2502005840).
Around the same time, a 57-year-old man was stopped near Main Street in Kangaroo Point for allegedly riding an unregistered electric motorbike without proper licensing, receiving three fines worth $1,156 (QP2502005847).
Inspector Kelly warned that many devices may only be permitted on private property, not in public spaces such as council parks, footpaths or roads.
“It is the responsibility of riders and parents to know the rules surrounding these devices. Ignorance is not an excuse when public safety is put at risk,” he said.
Police have warned that continued non-compliant use will result in fines, charges and in some cases seizure of the devices.
Riders and parents can check compliance requirements on the Queensland Government’s StreetSmarts website at police.qld.gov.au/initiatives/fatal-five-staying-safe-roads.
Published 12-November-2025
