Police have flagged enforcement action across Sydney’s Northern Beaches following a series of mass e-bike rideouts, including an incident at a Collaroy golf course that raised safety and compliance concerns.
Collaroy Golf Course Incident
In January, a large group of young e-bike riders entered Long Reef Golf Club during daylight hours. Riders were filmed moving across course areas and riding over grass mounds, disrupting play.
Golfers contacted police after reporting dozens of riders on the course. Officers conducted patrols, but the group had already left by the time police arrived. Reporting differs on the exact size and timing of the group, with estimates ranging from more than 30 to about 60 riders on a Friday in January.
Club representatives later said the damage was not extensive, but the incident caused significant disruption.
Rideouts Draw Attention Across Northern Beaches
Large e-bike rideouts involving groups of young riders have been occurring across the Northern Beaches, with gatherings organised through social media and digital flyers. Some rideouts have drawn dozens of participants, with reports indicating crowds of up to about 100 riders in certain cases.
Footage described in reporting shows groups riding together on public roads and near intersections, prompting concerns about traffic disruption and rider safety. Police say they have been monitoring planned rideouts for several weeks.
Police Compliance Activity
Northern Beaches Police confirmed officers attended the advertised starting point of a planned rideout at Brookvale Oval, where police maintained a visible presence.
Police conducted compliance checks focusing on helmet use, adherence to road rules, and whether e-bikes had been illegally modified to exceed the legal 25 km/h speed limit.
Under current road laws, e-bikes altered beyond legal limits may be treated as unregistered and uninsured motor vehicles. Police reiterated that offences such as speeding or riding without a helmet can attract fines of up to $3,000.
Broader Safety Concerns
Similar e-bike gatherings were reported in other Northern Beaches suburbs, including Manly, Dee Why and Manly Vale. National reporting also highlighted comparable incidents in Cronulla and Melbourne, indicating the issue extended beyond the local area.
Cycling industry representatives noted that while e-bikes offer mobility benefits, unsafe riding behaviour and the use of high-powered or modified bikes increase risks for riders, pedestrians and other road users.
Ongoing Monitoring
Police said monitoring of e-bike activity across the Northern Beaches remained ongoing, with enforcement action taken where unsafe or anti-social behaviour was identified.
Members of the public with information about dangerous e-bike use were encouraged to contact police or Crime Stoppers.
Published 3-Feb-2026
