Keeping our parks safe - why electric motorbikes don’t belong in our parks and reserves

You might have noticed a growing trend around the country: young people riding electric motorbikes through parks, reserves, and even playground areas. These bikes are fast, powerful, and fun - but they’re also causing real problems in spaces that are meant for everyone. 

As a community, we need to make sure our shared places stay safe, welcoming, and protected. Here’s what you need to know.

Why electric motorbikes are a problem in parks

Parks and reserves are designed for walking, cycling, play, connecting with nature, and community use - not for motor vehicles. When electric motorbikes are ridden through these spaces, two big issues arise: 

Safety concerns 

Electric motorbikes can reach high speeds quickly and can easily surprise or injure people who are walking, pushing prams, exercising, or playing. 

A good way to think about it is this:

Damage to the environment 

These bikes cause deep ruts in grass, churn up paths, and damage plantings. Repairing this damage is costly - and ultimately, those costs fall on ratepayers. It also takes time, meaning areas can be out of action for weeks. 

What counts as a motor vehicle? 

Under national rules: 

• Anything over 300 watts or that can travel 50 km/h or more is classed as a motor vehicle. 
• To be considered a bicycle, it needs to have pedal assist, not just a throttle.

This means most electric minimoto or dirtbike style vehicles people are riding are not bicycles - they are motor vehicles. Motor vehicles aren’t allowed in parks or reserves, unless they are within a designated parking area. 

So, what’s the difference between an e-bike and an electric motorbike?  An e-bike is a bicycle with a motor to assist with pedalling whereas an electric motorbike is essentially a motorbike that happens to run on electricity rather than fuel. 

Who can enforce the rules? 

The Police have far more powers than Council to deal with anti-social or dangerous vehicle use. That includes vehicles being ridden illegally in public spaces. 

Here’s who you should contact: 

If someone is putting others at risk 

• Emergency: Call 111 
• Non-emergency dangerous behaviour: Report via 105 

If you see damage to a park or reserve 

Let Council know through our usual reporting channels. The sooner we know about damage, the sooner we can fix it. 

How you can help 

If you’re a parent or caregiver of a young person with an electric motorbike: 

• Make sure they know where they can ride safely and legally. 
• Remind them that parks, playgrounds, sportsfields, and reserves are not appropriate places for motor vehicles. 
• Help us protect our community spaces for everyone.

We all want our parks and reserves to be safe, welcoming, and well-maintained. With your support, we can keep them that way.