A Western Australia Police Force operation has resulted in more than 75 eRideables being seized, as part of a Joondalup District action plan targeting antisocial behaviour in the community.
On Monday 5 January 2026, Operation Moorhead commenced in response to a notable increase in offending relating to the use of electric scooters and off-road bikes.
Reports to police indicated individuals on eRideables were engaging in serious offences and violent and antisocial behaviour across the northern suburbs, including rock throwing, riding recklessly and unregistered on public roads, evading police, harassing members of the public, and posting their actions on social media.
A dedicated team was formed, involving Joondalup’s Rapid High Harm Offender Response team, with assistance from Police Air Wing, Drones and Road Policing Motorcycles.
The operation involved gathering a vast amount of intelligence received from community information, which led to targeted patrols and rapid police responses to incidents throughout the Joondalup District.
As a result of the operation, 76 eRideables have been seized. A total of 61 juveniles – aged between 12 and 16 years – and 15 adults have been charged, resulting in 183 offences, including traffic-related matters. All eRideables seized will be destroyed.
Operation Moorhead reinforces the WA Police Force’s commitment to community safety and to holding offenders accountable for unlawful behaviour.
The WA Police Force continues to have zero tolerance for antisocial behaviour statewide and will target anyone who commits offences associated with the unlawful use of eRideables.
WA Police remind the community that eRideables are a type of vehicle, so all road laws that apply to vehicles apply to eRideables, unless expressly excluded. Further information can be found via this link: https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/road-safety-commission/erideable
Anyone with information regarding antisocial behaviour in the community can make a report to Crime Stoppers online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au or by calling 1800 333 000. Reports to Crime Stoppers can be made anonymously.
Acting Inspector Scott Gillis, Joondalup District, said the operation has been a significant success.
“Through our officers’ interactions with community members, we have observed an increase in community confidence as a result of this operation.
“I again remind parents and guardians to familiarise themselves with the laws surrounding eRideables and to understand the capabilities and risks of the devices they purchase for their children. These devices can pose a danger not only to the rider, but also to pedestrians and other road users if they are used unsafely.
“I would like to thank the members of the public who engaged with police, provided information, and supported our efforts throughout this operation. Their assistance has been instrumental in helping us identify offenders and enhance the overall safety of the community.”
Comments attributed to Police and Road Safety Minister Reece Whitby:
“The eRideables WA Police have seized are illegal to use on a road. It doesn’t matter what age you are, they are deemed an unregistered vehicle. eRideables that are legal, are regulated and can only ridden by people 16 or older. These devices are not toys and we have zero tolerance for those who ignore the rules and use these devices dangerously.
“I thank WA Police for their swift action through Operation Moorhead and the community for their role in reporting bad behaviour. The results of this operation sends a clear message that antisocial and criminal behaviour involving eRideables has no place in our community.
“The seizure of 76 devices and 183 charges shows our Government is serious about the safety of eRideables and our Government will continue to work closely with WA Police to ensure the community is kept safe”
On Monday 5 January 2026, Operation Moorhead commenced in response to a notable increase in offending relating to the use of electric scooters and off-road bikes.
Reports to police indicated individuals on eRideables were engaging in serious offences and violent and antisocial behaviour across the northern suburbs, including rock throwing, riding recklessly and unregistered on public roads, evading police, harassing members of the public, and posting their actions on social media.
A dedicated team was formed, involving Joondalup’s Rapid High Harm Offender Response team, with assistance from Police Air Wing, Drones and Road Policing Motorcycles.
The operation involved gathering a vast amount of intelligence received from community information, which led to targeted patrols and rapid police responses to incidents throughout the Joondalup District.
As a result of the operation, 76 eRideables have been seized. A total of 61 juveniles – aged between 12 and 16 years – and 15 adults have been charged, resulting in 183 offences, including traffic-related matters. All eRideables seized will be destroyed.
Operation Moorhead reinforces the WA Police Force’s commitment to community safety and to holding offenders accountable for unlawful behaviour.
The WA Police Force continues to have zero tolerance for antisocial behaviour statewide and will target anyone who commits offences associated with the unlawful use of eRideables.
WA Police remind the community that eRideables are a type of vehicle, so all road laws that apply to vehicles apply to eRideables, unless expressly excluded. Further information can be found via this link: https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/road-safety-commission/erideable
Anyone with information regarding antisocial behaviour in the community can make a report to Crime Stoppers online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au or by calling 1800 333 000. Reports to Crime Stoppers can be made anonymously.
Acting Inspector Scott Gillis, Joondalup District, said the operation has been a significant success.
“Through our officers’ interactions with community members, we have observed an increase in community confidence as a result of this operation.
“I again remind parents and guardians to familiarise themselves with the laws surrounding eRideables and to understand the capabilities and risks of the devices they purchase for their children. These devices can pose a danger not only to the rider, but also to pedestrians and other road users if they are used unsafely.
“I would like to thank the members of the public who engaged with police, provided information, and supported our efforts throughout this operation. Their assistance has been instrumental in helping us identify offenders and enhance the overall safety of the community.”
Comments attributed to Police and Road Safety Minister Reece Whitby:
“The eRideables WA Police have seized are illegal to use on a road. It doesn’t matter what age you are, they are deemed an unregistered vehicle. eRideables that are legal, are regulated and can only ridden by people 16 or older. These devices are not toys and we have zero tolerance for those who ignore the rules and use these devices dangerously.
“I thank WA Police for their swift action through Operation Moorhead and the community for their role in reporting bad behaviour. The results of this operation sends a clear message that antisocial and criminal behaviour involving eRideables has no place in our community.
“The seizure of 76 devices and 183 charges shows our Government is serious about the safety of eRideables and our Government will continue to work closely with WA Police to ensure the community is kept safe”
Print this page
