“Someone will end up with blood on their hands": Canterbury electric dirt bike concern grows

An increasing number of crashes and reports of illegal riding have put high-powered electric dirt bikes under the spotlight in Canterbury. 

But those working close to the issue say the problem goes beyond reckless riders. 

Police warned earlier this month that the illegal use of electric dirt bikes was a “growing issue” in the community. That echoed an increase in complaints to the Christchurch City Council.

The council said it had received 14 formal complaints over the past year, not including complaints made informally.  

The warnings follow previous police posts about electric dirt bikes in November 2025 and May this year.  

Dirt E Bikes owner, Brett Webley, who operates from Christchurch and Tai Tapu, said he had seen first-hand how the current system was struggling to keep up with the rapid growth of the bikes.  

“They’ve [E dirt bikes] almost become a cult-like sensation, and I myself can see things starting to get out of hand with them." 

Webley, who has been in the motor trade business for over 40 years, said confusing rules, inconsistent products, and a lack of oversight of electric vehicles were contributing to a dangerous situation. 

“I think it’s time that something concrete was done to put e-dirt bikes in a positive light before someone ends up with blood on their hands."

Under current rules, electric dirt bikes are not considered power-assisted bicycles if their motor exceeds 300 watts, they lack pedals, or they can propel themselves without rider input. 

Depending on the vehicle’s power and speed, riders may need a Class 1 or Class 6 license, and any vehicle used on the road must also meet registration and roadworthiness requirements. 

But the distinction is often hard to pin down, and as a result many consumers are unaware of just how powerful these vehicles can be. 

NZTA said much of the confusion comes from broader misconceptions about electric bikes, with the word “electric” sometimes wrongly assumed to mean that a vehicle is safer or less regulated than a petrol-powered one. 

“Risk is associated mainly with rider skill and care, with speed, weight, power, and the environments vehicles are used in, rather than the energy source,” an NZTA spokesperson said.

Consumer NZ agreed the rules weren’t always easy to navigate.  

A spokesperson said the information provided by some sellers wasn't always clear or consistent.

They said the sector's rapid growth had "created challenges for regulators around the world, and New Zealand is no exception". 

NZTA said responsibility for compliance ultimately sits with the rider, but also recognised retailers had an important role in making sure customers understood whether what they’re buying could legally be used on roads, cycleways or footpaths.  

Both organisations believed there would be value in reviewing whether current rules and enforcement approaches remain fit for purpose as new products enter the market.  

“Whatever framework is in place, it should provide clear guidance to consumers, certainty to reputable businesses and effective enforcement against misleading claims,” Consumer NZ said. 

“The key test is whether an ordinary consumer can understand what they’re buying and make an informed purchasing decision.”

The Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport said it was continuing to monitor developments in electric dirt bikes, e-bikes, and e-scooters, while NZTA said it was working with police and local authorities on vehicle classification and use. 

For Webley, the concern is that without clearer rules and designated areas to ride, the problem will grow.