Australia is facing a sudden rise in e-bike accidents that some officials are calling a public health emergency. The Australian health minister described illegal e-bikes as a threat that causes life-changing injuries. He is now calling for new powers that would allow officials to seize and destroy these bikes.

While e-bikes provide people with independence and help lower carbon emissions, the number of injuries and deaths is climbing. In New South Wales alone, there were 233 injuries and four deaths in the first seven months of 2025. Governments are currently tightening rules on imports and engine power limits, but many retailers doubt these steps will stop people from breaking the law. Meanwhile, experts are calling for more education on e-bike safety and stricter enforcement to stop illegal group rides.