Fatbikes, modified electric bikes with oversized tires, are causing chaos in Sydney's affluent beach suburbs. Teens are illegally boosting their speeds to triple the legal 25km/h limit, weaving through traffic and sidewalks without helmets. Residents report near-misses and injuries, with hospitals noting a 350% spike in e-bike-related trauma cases since 2023. The state government plans to introduce a minimum riding age, enforce European safety standards (250w max power), and authorize police to crush illegal bikes.

The trend stems from relaxed 2021 import rules and a 2023 wattage hike to 500w, enabling vendors to sell high-powered bikes with PIN unlocks for "private use." Critics argue this loophole fuels reckless behavior, as seen in viral videos of teens riding fatbikes across the Harbour Bridge and golf courses. A 14-year-old rider claims following his father's advice to avoid police seizures, but trauma specialist Dr. Brian Burns warns: "You're riding something with motorbike speed but no motorbike safety gear."

The issue intersects with socioeconomic factors: fatbikes cost AUD$3,000+, appealing to wealthy families, while Sydney's sparse public transport and sunny weather encourage their use. E-bike shop owner Scott Jeffery acknowledges their utility for families but condemns teen misuse: "They're ruining it for responsible riders." Pedestrians like Andre, nearly struck on Pittwater Road, describe fatbikes as "mini motorbikes" endangering daily commuters.

Proposed solutions face pushback. NSW Transport Minister John Graham aims to balance cycling promotion with safety, but opponents fear overregulation. The Pedestrian Council's Harold Scruby compares the spread to "Covid," urging immediate action. With 750,000 e-bikes on NSW roads, authorities face a growing challenge in policing modified fatbikes that blur the line between recreation and hazard.