THERE is growing community concern over the increasing number of illegally modified e-bikes appearing on local roads, with warnings they pose serious risks to both riders and the wider public.
Across the region, there has been a rise in “kit bikes” – ordinary bicycles retrofitted with electric motors and batteries. While appealing for their affordability and flexibility, many of these conversions exceed the legal 25km/h speed limit for e-bikes. Some are capable of reaching speeds of up to 80km/h, effectively transforming pushbikes into unregulated motorbikes.
Behind the low cost of these kits lie serious safety issues. Standard bicycle frames and wheels are not built to cope with the additional weight and torque generated by motors and batteries. This mismatch places added stress on frames, increasing the risk of cracking, collapse and sudden structural failures, particularly in lightweight or older bicycles.
Braking systems are another major weakness. While kit bikes can achieve speeds well beyond the design limits of traditional bicycles, they rarely include the upgraded brakes required to match. Standard bicycle brakes can overheat, wear down quickly, and leave riders unable to stop safely at high speeds.
Electrical hazards also present significant dangers. DIY installation often involves amateur wiring and low-cost batteries. Poor insulation, exposed wiring, or incompatible components increase the risk of overheating, short circuits, and in extreme cases, fires or explosions.
Unlike factory-built e-bikes, which must meet strict safety and compliance standards, conversion kits fall into a regulatory grey area. Without standardised testing or oversight, safety depends entirely on the individual assembling the bike. For many inexperienced riders, this results in inconsistent assembly quality and unsafe modifications.
The risks are not limited to the riders themselves. Malfunctions, mechanical failures, or erratic handling of converted e-bikes can lead to accidents involving pedestrians, motorists and other cyclists. In some cases, young riders are using these high-powered bikes without protective gear, heightening the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Parents are being urged to take greater responsibility in this growing issue. Many of the modified bikes are being purchased for children and teenagers, who may lack the skills and awareness to manage the extra speed and power safely. Families need to consider whether the risks of conversion kits outweigh the short-term appeal of affordability and performance.
The growing grey market for conversion kits suggests government intervention may be on the horizon. Road safety advocates argue that stricter enforcement and clearer regulations are needed to prevent unsafe bikes from flooding local roads and footpaths.
Until stronger measures are introduced, communities are being warned to carefully weigh the risks. What may appear to be a cost-effective way to upgrade a bicycle can instead create a machine that is unsafe, unregulated and potentially dangerous for everyone sharing the road.