In response to ongoing reporting that incorrectly draws e-bikes into issues around the use of illegal motorbikes, WestCycle issued a clarifying statement.
Our statement from WestCycle CEO Wayne Bradshaw was published as a letter to the editor by the Subiaco Post on Friday 14 November 2025.
The letter in full:
To the Editor, Subiaco Post
I’d like to clarify an increasingly important distinction in the public conversation around electric mobility: e-bikes are not the same as illegal electric motorbikes.
e-bikes have transformed the way Western Australians ride. They’re helping older adults, parents, commuters, young people and people with mobility challenges embrace riding as a practical, healthy, and sustainable mode of transport.
These bikes are subject to clear regulations and are treated similarly to traditional bikes under the law. They are designed to assist – not replace – pedal power, and they operate within safe and regulated speed and power limits.
In contrast, the rise of illegal electric motorbikes – sometimes sold and labelled as ‘e-bikes’ but exceeding legal speed and power thresholds and usually without pedalling options – pose serious safety and regulatory challenges. These devices are not bikes. They are not e-bikes. They are in fact illegal motorbikes that should be subject to registration, licensing, and road rules like any other motorbike. Illegal motorbikes ridden in public spaces can be subject to hoon laws.
WestCycle strongly supports tighter import controls and clearer public education to help everyone understand the difference – and place more scrutiny on both online and direct retailers who are selling these devices that are used for unlawful purposes.
In this direction, WestCycle has backed the recent Bill introduced into Federal Parliament aimed at improving e-bike safety and cleaning up the market. WestCycle has also made extensive representations to the ongoing WA Parliamentary Inquiry into eRideables and e-bikes.
Let’s not confuse innovation with illegality. E-bikes are a vital part of our active transport future. Illegal motorbikes masquerading as e-bikes are not.
Sincerely,
Wayne Bradshaw
CEO, WestCycle
