A teenage boy has been charged after allegedly riding a BMX that had been turned into a homemade 1000-watt motorbike in Queensland.
The 15-year-old was on the allegedly dodgy bike when he was stopped by police in Gympie on July 15.
Police alleged the motorbike was made by modifying a BMX bike frame to take out the pedals and adding electric motors controlled by a throttle.
Each motor was allegedly capable of more than 1000 watts.
E-bikes can only be used on the roads if the pedals are the main source of power and the motor is 250 watts or under.
“The modifications made to the bike intercepted in Gympie have resulted in the bike being recognised as a motorbike without indicators, lights, reflectors, bell or brakes,” Wide Bay Burnett District Inspector Shane Draper said.
“As this is considered a motorbike, the vehicle required registration and insurance, and the boy required a drivers licence.”
The 15-year-old was charged with one count each of driving of motor vehicle without a driver’s licence, vehicles used on roads must be registered and driving an uninsured vehicle.
He will appear in Gympie Children’s Court on August 14.
Police are trying to crack down on illegal e-bike and motorbike use in the area.
Draper urged residents to report any incidents to police.
“A powerful bike in the hands of an unlicenced and inexperienced driver is extremely dangerous to not only the rider, but also the other road users,” he said.
“Beyond enforcement, police are committed to educating the community about the dos and don’ts regarding e-bikes to ensure they’re empowered to make smart decisions on the road.
“I especially urge parents to be familiar with the regulations and road rules regarding e-bikes and to work with their child to understand and respect those rules.
