Police in a second state will get extra powers to seize and destroy illegal e-bikes that officials say are fuelling anti-social behaviour.

Mirroring a move in Western Australia, NSW Police will be able to crush non-compliant, high-powered e-bikes, including so-called “fat bikes” and other throttle-only devices.

The move follows the emergence of a video on social media showing a group of 40 e-bike riders and motorcyclists driving dangerously across the Sydney Harbour Bridge last Tuesday.

The convoy could be seen speeding past cars and doing wheelies across the landmark, prompting condemnation and calls for a crackdown on illegal devices.

That followed an earlier incident in January, when about 60 young e-bike riders rolled over the greens of the Long Reef Golf Club, on Sydney’s northern beaches.

“This is a crackdown, plain and simple,” NSW Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said.

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

In addition to being limited to 500 watts, e-bike batteries in NSW can operate only as a pedal-assist and cut out when the vehicle reaches a speed of 25km/h.

Anything that exceeds those power or speed limits must be registered as a moped or motorcycle.

NSW Police already have the power to seize vehicles that are not road-legal.

In the new crackdown, they will use mobile testing machines to check bikes at hotspots. Those that exceed legal limits will be sent for destruction.

NRMA spokesman Peter Khoury welcomed the tough response, saying “this has to stop”.

“It is an expensive proposition to have the bike confiscated and crushed, but paying for a funeral is more expensive,” he said on Sunday.

Government officials said the powers would simplify seizure laws designed for cars and motorbikes and would be part of a wider reform package to tackle unsafe e-bikes.

But opposition transport spokeswoman Natalie Ward said the proposed laws would not be introduced before August and were not immediately addressing rider behaviour.

The Minns government has blamed Ward for approving up to 500- watt output on e-bikes in 2023, while she was transport minister.

It has lowered the maximum to 250 watts.

Bicycle NSW CEO Peter McLean said he was keen to work with state and federal governments to ensure regulations and community education went hand in hand.

“Ultimately, we want harmonised legislation,” he said.

“We want kids to be able to ride from Albury to Wodonga, Tweed Heads to Coolangatta, and Queanbeyan into Canberra and not have five sets of legislation to be mindful of.”

E-bikes, many retailing for more than $2000, and other high-powered vehicles have become a lightning rod for controversy in parts of Australia.

A teenage boy is awaiting trial for manslaughter after allegedly killing a 59-year-old while riding an unlicensed electric motorbike through a park in Perth in July.

Queensland police seized at least 100 illegal devices and handed 2100 fines to riders during a crackdown in December.

Premier David Crisafulli said on Sunday his government would legislate “the strongest response in the nation” to “make sure people feel safe”.

-with AAP