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Backyard e-bike modifications putting Victorian teens in danger

Pure Public Relations

Parents buying their kids e-bikes for Christmas are being warned they could be putting them on machines capable of travelling at 80km/h due to dangerous backyard modifications.

Law Partners Injury Lawyers is sounding the alarm over the dangers of high-speed modified e-bikes, calling on the Victorian Government to urgently review the sale, modification and policing of high-powered e-bikes before more people are seriously injured.

Legal pedal-assisted e-bikes in Victoria must stop providing motor assistance at 25km/h. Victorian Head of Law Partners Injury Lawyers Stuart Le Grand said parents may have no idea that backyard operators were targeting teens through social media, encouraging them to bypass that cut-off point.

“You wouldn't hand a 14-year-old the keys to a car and tell them to drive down the freeway at 80km/h. But that's effectively the risk we're facing with some of these modified e-bikes, " Mr Le Grand said.

“You might be looking to buy your teen an e-bike in the Black Friday sales or for Christmas to get to school or ride around with their mates, thinking you are doing the right thing. But in a couple of hours, that same bike could be altered to go three times the legal motor-assistance limit.

“At 80km/h, a split-second mistake could leave someone with a permanent brain injury or in a wheelchair.

“We already have laws against riding these modified bikes on public roads. The question is whether they're being enforced and whether they're strong enough."

Law Partners has recorded a significant increase in e-bike-related inquiries over the past three years, but has found that serious e-bike injuries often fall outside 

Victoria's Transport Accident Commission (TAC) compensation scheme.

Mr Le Grand said that gap meant parents could face an enormous emotional and financial burden at the worst possible time.

“If your child comes off an e-bike and suffers a serious spinal injury, you can't assume the TAC will cover their treatment and rehabilitation, particularly if no car or other motor vehicle was involved.

“Before you put an e-bike in your cart or under the Christmas tree, make sure you understand what you're buying. And if your child already has one, find out whether they’ve had it modified.

“Be vigilant as nothing matters more than your child's safety."

Law Partners Injury Lawyers is calling for both sides of Government to commit to an immediate review of existing laws and enforcement, including tougher action against illegal high-speed modified e-bikes and backyard operators.

Mr Le Grand said strong action and leadership was needed to prevent needless injuries and death. 

“How many people have to get hurt before we take this seriously?” he said. 

“We want both sides of politics to commit to making this a priority. This isn't about stopping kids riding bikes. It's about life long injuries or kids being killed."

What parents need to know before buying an e-bike:

  • Legal pedal-assisted e-bikes in Victoria must stop providing motor assistance at 25km/h.

  • Modifications that override legal motor power or assistance limits make an e-bike unlawful to ride as a bicycle on public roads and shared paths.

  • Ask the retailer whether the bike complies with Victorian law and check whether it has been modified.

  • Talk to your child about the risks of high-speed modifications.

  • Don't assume TAC compensation will be available if your child is injured in an e-bike accident.


About us:

Law Partners Injury Lawyers is Australia's largest specialist personal injury law firm, helping thousands of Australians every year access the compensation and support they're entitled to following an injury, illness or accident. The firm is ranked as a leader in the 2026 Doyle's Guide, Australia's leading independent legal directory, receiving a total of 13 rankings.

With a win rate of over 99 per cent, Law Partners Injury Lawyers combines specialist expertise across workers' compensation, motor vehicle accidents, TPD, medical negligence, public liability and institutional abuse. The firm operates on the belief that injury should not become injustice, and all injured or ill Australians deserve fairness and access to the compensation they are entitled to.


Contact details:

Allie Cracknell
Senior Publicist, Pure Public Relations
E. [email protected]