Dozens of young e-bike riders descended on Long Reef Golf Club in Collaroy last month, leaving wheel marks across greens and adding fuel to growing calls for tighter regulations on electronic bicycles across Sydney’s northern beaches.
Read: Police Flag Safety Response After E-Bike Rideouts Affect Collaroy Area
Police were called to the popular golf course in January after reports of a large group of youths riding through the facility. By the time officers arrived, the riders had dispersed. NSW Police confirmed inquiries are continuing.
Video footage of the incident, shared on social media, captured the scale of the incursion that disrupted play and caused minor damage to the meticulously maintained course.
Long Reef Golf Club general manager Ben Russell revealed the incident was far from isolated, saying the facility experiences vandalism from young people on e-bikes multiple times each week. He described the acts as senseless, though noted that damage to date has been repairable and hasn’t forced any holes out of play.
While the damage from the January incident wasn’t extensive—some wheel marks and small indentations on the greens—Russell emphasised that the disruption to golfers was significant. He estimated around a dozen individuals appeared to be instigating the behaviour, showing no respect for others and being verbally confrontational, whilst the remainder seemed to be following the crowd.
Russell said approximately a dozen instigators demonstrated zero respect for those around them and were verbally abusive, while the rest appeared to be young people simply following along. With characteristic dry humour, he added that he had never seen that many young people turn up genuinely interested in playing golf before.
The incident forms part of a broader pattern of mass e-bike gatherings across Sydney’s northern beaches and beyond. Local outlet Manly Observer posted footage on the same day showing large groups of e-bike riders travelling through area streets. Similar congregations were captured on video in Cronulla over the weekend, suggesting the phenomenon is spreading.
Local MP Jacqui Scruby, Independent Member for Pittwater, responded to the Long Reef incident with concern, calling for stronger accountability measures. She expressed shock at seeing the videos and photos of irresponsible riding across the golf club’s greens.
Scruby acknowledged that while many e-bike riders behave responsibly, incidents like these demonstrate the need for greater rider accountability. She argued that measures such as registration plates would help police identify rule-breakers and deter bad behaviour by making riders easier to identify.
The local MP has drafted legislation aimed at addressing e-bike safety and accountability issues. Her proposed bill includes improved education for young riders, a licensing scheme, and enhanced enforcement powers. Scruby said these initiatives, if adopted, would work effectively to prevent similar situations in future.
The Pedestrian Council of Australia has also weighed in on the issue, with chairman Harold Scruby warning parents about potential liability. He told Nine News that parents need to understand that if their children are riding unregistered, uninsured vehicles, they could be held liable for any injuries caused.
E-bikes have faced mounting scrutiny following recent tragedies and safety concerns. Premier Chris Minns announced plans in December to halve the power limit of e-bikes, a move that came on the same day as a fatal e-bike accident at Ultimo. That death was one of four e-bike fatalities recorded in NSW in the early weeks of 2025.
Medical and legal professionals have joined calls for mandatory insurance coverage for e-bike riders, similar to the compulsory third-party insurance required for motor vehicles. A parliamentary inquiry has recommended insurance for private e-bikes, with shared e-bike schemes already required to carry compulsory third-party coverage.
Read: Long Reef Golf Club Proposes $22 Million Upgrade in Collaroy
For Long Reef Golf Club and its members, the January incident serves as a stark reminder of an ongoing challenge. As Russell continues to repair minor damage and work with authorities, the broader community grapples with balancing young people’s freedom to enjoy outdoor activities with the need for safety and respect for public and private spaces.
Published 6-February-2026
