Operation ELEKTRA Results: Crackdown on Personal Mobility Device Offenses

Gold Coast Police have successfully completed a targeted deployment aimed at curbing the unsafe and unlawful use of personal mobility devices (PMDs) and electric-powered assisted cycles (EPACs) as part of their ongoing efforts to enhance road safety.

The recent operation, named ELEKTRA, conducted on June 1, involved various police units including the Gold Coast Highway Patrol, Rapid Action and Patrols (RAP), the Surfers Paradise Bike Team, and general duties police. A total of 43 PMD and EPAC riders were intercepted during the operation, resulting in 13 infringement notices for PMD-related offenses.

Notable incidents from the deployment included the arrest of a 48-year-old man for riding a PMD under the influence of alcohol, with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.161. Additionally, nine juveniles riding unregistered or unlicensed electric motorbikes received official cautions, and five cases required parental intervention to collect the devices.

Senior Sergeant Steve Young emphasized that many intercepted riders, mostly juveniles, were unaware of the regulations governing their devices. To address this, an education-first approach was adopted, with QR codes containing relevant legislation being issued to individuals.

Police also expressed concerns regarding dangerously modified vehicles, citing an instance where two 10-year-olds were found riding a makeshift electric bike with no brakes and a taped battery. The bike was reportedly traveling at 40km/h and had to be stopped using the children’s feet. Parents were contacted and took possession of the bike.

Overall, the community response to the operation has been supportive, with residents appreciating the police efforts to ensure the safe and legal use of high-powered devices, especially when minors are involved.

For those with information related to the operation or any suspicious activities, they are encouraged to contact Policelink online or via phone, or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers.