Maitland Mayor Philip Penfold is calling on the NSW Government to take urgent action over the growing number of unregistered bikes and scooters being ridden dangerously on local roads.

Cr Penfold said he witnessed multiple incidents while travelling home, including riders on powered bikes travelling at speed on three separate Maitland roads without headlights or reflectors.

While it is unclear whether the vehicles involved were electric bikes, scooters or unregistered off-road motorcycles, the Mayor said the situation is becoming an increasing safety concern for the community.

“Tonight, on my way home, on three separate Maitland roads, I witnessed powered bikes with no headlights nor reflectors, going at speed on our roads,” Cr Penfold said.

He argued that offenders are becoming increasingly emboldened, partly because police are often unable to pursue riders due to the risk of causing serious injury during a pursuit.

“The knowledge that police are powerless to pursue for fear of contributing to injury has clearly emboldened many riders,” he said.

Cr Penfold is now calling on the NSW Government to develop a solution that will improve safety for riders, pedestrians and motorists.

Reports of unregistered dirt bikes, modified motorcycles, e-bikes and scooters being ridden illegally on public roads have become a growing concern in parts of the Hunter, with residents regularly raising concerns about reckless riding, excessive speed and a lack of enforcement options.

The Mayor has urged the state government to act before someone is seriously injured, saying stronger measures are needed to keep Maitland’s streets safe.