Operation Moorhead: E-rideable crackdown in Perth’s northern suburbs sees dozens of children charged by police

Parents have been urged to stop buying illegal e-ridables for their kids after police charged 61 children as part of a crackdown on the devices in Perth’s northern suburbs.

Police laid more than 180 charges and seized and destroyed 76 devices as part of Operation Moorhead in the Joondalup district.

The crackdown started in early January after reports of children throwing rocks at cars, riding recklessly, evading police and using unregistered devices on public roads.

On Thursday, a police spokesman said the majority of those charged were children.

“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,” he said.

It is understood that the operation has since ended but police said they will still patrol and respond to public reports of dangerous behaviour related to the unsafe use of e-rideables.

Joondalup District Acting Inspector Scott Gillis warned parents against buying children the devices which included high-powered electric dirt bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters.

“Through our officers’ interactions with community members, we have observed an increase in community confidence as a result of this operation,” he said.

“I again remind parents and guardians to familiarise themselves with the laws surrounding e-rideables 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. “

Road Safety Minister Reece Whitby claimed the operation showed the Government was “serious” about the dangers posed by the illegal use of e-rideables.

“The e-rideables WA Police have seized are illegal to use on a road,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter what age you are, they are deemed an unregistered vehicle. e-rideables 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.

“The results of this operation sends a clear message that antisocial and criminal behaviour involving e-rideables has no place in our community.”