A large group of teenagers on modified e-bikes disrupted Brisbane CBD traffic after riders moved through inner-city streets, tunnels and major roads while police tried to respond to the fast-moving group.
Large Group Moves Through Brisbane CBD
Traffic was disrupted across Brisbane’s inner city after hundreds of teenagers on modified e-bikes rode through the CBD, blocking roads, weaving around vehicles and drawing concern from motorists and workers.
The riders gathered at Victoria Park on Sunday, 17 May before travelling through the park, through tunnels, across the Story Bridge and around The Star Hotel and Casino. As the group moved through the city, riders performed wheelies, filled intersections and rode around cars and police vehicles.
The ride caused traffic to bank up across parts of the CBD as vehicles were forced to slow or stop while the group passed through. Footage posted online showed riders moving in large numbers through traffic as police vehicles attempted to intercept them.
Police were outnumbered as the group scattered around patrol cars and continued through the streets. Officers indicated riders would only be intercepted when it was safe to do so.
Brisbane CBD Ride Raises Road Safety Concerns
The incident has renewed concern about large e-bike gatherings in Brisbane, particularly when riders move through busy traffic corridors and restricted areas.
Electric bikes and scooters are not permitted in tunnels or on multi-lane roads under Queensland road rules. The riders’ route included tunnels and major inner-city roads, creating concern among motorists who were caught in the disruption.
One motorist reported damage to a vehicle mirror during the incident. A bus driver caught among the group described the riders as taking over the road and holding up traffic, while a nearby worker said staff became concerned about customers as the group moved through the area.
No arrests or charges had been announced as investigations continued on Monday.
Public Frustration Grows Over Modified E-Bikes
The Brisbane CBD incident has added to wider frustration about repeated mass e-bike rides through inner-city streets. The gatherings have been described as becoming a regular occurrence, with locals concerned about riders using busy roads for stunts and group rides.
Online reaction also raised questions about whether some of the vehicles should be described as e-bikes. Some commenters claimed the bikes appeared closer to motorised two-wheelers because of hand throttles and limited visible pedalling, although that has not been confirmed.
For motorists and workers in the CBD, the latest ride was not just a passing disruption. It became another example of the tension between large groups of modified e-bike riders and the everyday flow of traffic through Brisbane’s busiest streets.
Published 20-May-2026
