Communities across the Western Plains are being warned that illegal high-powered e-bikes could soon be seized and crushed under new NSW laws.

Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison made it clear the crackdown is not just targeting Sydney, saying regional areas - including the Far West - are experiencing the same issues with modified and high-powered devices being ridden dangerously.

“Let’s not forget, this is not just a problem for the city,” Ms Aitchison said.

“Communities across regional NSW are dealing with illegal e-bikes being ridden at dangerous speeds on footpaths, local roads and town centres, and too many people are being seriously injured.”

Under the new legislation NSW Police have expanded powers to seize and destroy illegal e-bikes that operate more like motorbikes than bicycles.

That includes throttle-only devices and so-called 'fat bikes' that exceed the legal power limits or continue to provide motor assistance beyond 25km/h.

Central North Police District Commander Superintendent Gerard Lawson said the issue is present in regional communities, though not in large numbers.

“I think they're in play across all communities,” Superintendent Lawson said.

“They're a popular present, and they're a cheap mode of transport, but they also run the risk of people getting hurt, first riding and walking.”

He said police would respond if concerns were raised locally.

“We would certainly investigate it if things are raised with us,” he said.

Transport Minister John Graham pulled no punches, warning owners of illegal e-bikes, their e-bike would possibly be confiscated and crushed.

While not widespread across the district, he confirmed the devices are being seen.

“There are the odd ones around. I wouldn't say they're in great, prolific numbers, but they are subject to the same laws as they would be elsewhere,” Superintendent Lawson said.

He suggested some of the problem may come down to lack of awareness.

“I would think, just out of ignorance, people don't understand the laws around them.”

Police are also rolling out portable 'dyno' testing units that measure power output and to determine whether an e-bike’s motor cuts out at the legal limit of 25km/h.

If a device is found to be non-compliant at the roadside, it can be confiscated and destroyed.

The move comes at the same time NSW has moved to adopt adopt the European safety standard to ensure e-bikes operate like bicycles, and not motorbikes.

Under this standard, e-bikes must have a maximum power output of 250 watts and power assistance must cut out at 25km/h. No power assistance is delivered at all after 6km/h if a rider is not pedalling the bike.

There will be a three-year transition period will apply for 500 watt bikes bought legally since 2023.

The government is also intending to introduce age restrictions, with advice to the minister being expected in June.

Transport Minister John Graham said the government had “heard loud and clear” concerns about souped-up e-bikes and associated anti-social behaviour.

“Riders and owners of illegal e-bikes should now hear us loud and clear: If you are breaking the rules, and your bike does not meet the very clear specifications of a pedal-assisted e-bike, expect it to be removed from your possession and crushed,” Mr Graham said.

Police Minister Yasmin Catley said parents also have a responsibility to check devices before purchase.

“Not all e-bikes sold in shops are legal on our streets,” Ms Catley said.

“If your bike does not meet the rules, it will be destroyed.”

The Government says the reforms are designed to draw a firm line between legal pedal-assisted e-bikes and illegal electric motorbikes.

For Western Plains towns where e-bikes are increasingly common on footpaths and around schools, police say the message is straightforward - if it behaves like a motorbike, it won’t be treated like a bicycle.

E-scooters are not covered by the legislation, as riding them anywhere other than private property is illegal unless they are under ride-sharing ownership.