Illegal e-bike riders who vandalise public property are in City of Newcastle's sights, as councillors call for tougher penalties and a briefing from police.
Councillors want to know what the state government plans to do to regulate the high number of 500-watt e-bikes seen on Newcastle's streets and have supported allowing them to be registered as a motor vehicle so it is easier for police to identify reckless riders.
At Tuesday's meeting, councillors unanimously backed an amended motion targeting the scourge of illegal e-bikes and the "thousands" of ratepayer dollars spent repairing damage left in their wake.
Liberal councillor Callum Pull said public spaces should be there for all to enjoy, not "just for a few to destroy".
"Every single time this happens, we have to close a field or a park, and that means public spaces have to be closed," Cr Pull said.
"That is an unacceptable state of affairs for me."
Councillors have asked Newcastle lord mayor Gavin Morris to write to NSW Transport Minister John Graham and Police Minister Yasmin Catley, with copies sent to local MPs, advocating for more community education around legislation changes for 500-watt electric bikes purchased legally before August 21.
On August 21, the state government's new seizure and crushing laws came into effect.
Those laws mean police and authorised officers can seize illegal e-bikes and dispose of them.
Greens deputy lord mayor Charlotte McCabe said given the popularity of e-bikes, she hopes a way forward, whether that is registration or another measure, can be found.
"They've been lost in no-man's land, even with the most recent legislation changes," she said.
The council will ask Newcastle police to provide a briefing updating them on how officers are tackling the issue.
In an effort to deter illegal e-bike riders, the council will ask for harsher penalties for vandalism, including an option to recover costs from the people found responsible.
