Ezra Mam’s New Commute: Electric Bike Raises Questions
Brisbane Broncos star Ezra Mam has been spotted riding an electric bike, which has allegedly been modified to reach speeds of up to 50km/h. The bike, a V3 Rogue from Burleigh company Oceanside Cycles, has become Mam’s daily mode of transportation to and from Broncos training at Red Hill. This development comes months after Mam’s highly publicized dangerous driving conviction in a Brisbane court, which saw him pleads guilty to driving while under the influence of drugs and operating a vehicle without a valid license. The incident, which occurred on October 18, 2024, involved a head-on collision that resulted in minor injuries to a woman and her four-year-old daughter, who were passengers in an Uber. Mam admitted to using cocaine socially the day before the crash, a revelation that shocked his fans and the wider community.
The Incident: A Wake-Up Call
On October 18, 2024, Ezra Mam was involved in a serious head-on collision in Brisbane. He was driving a car with a suspended license and had cocaine in his system, posing a significant danger to other road users. The crash, while fortunate to result only in minor injuries, could have had devastating consequences. A woman and her young daughter, both passengers in an Uber, were the victims of Mam’s reckless actions. The Brisbane Magistrates Court heard the case in December, where Mam pleaded guilty to the charges. Magistrate Mark Nolan was firm in his condemnation, calling Mam’s behavior "stupid" and highlighting the severe risks it posed. "There’s no place for illicit drugs in our community, and certainly no place for a person who is using illicit drugs to get behind the wheel of a car," he emphasized. The court fined Mam $850 and disqualified his license for at least six months, with no conviction recorded, giving him a chance to turn his life around.
NRL and Broncos: Strict Penalties and Support
The National Rugby League (NRL) and the Brisbane Broncos did not take the incident lightly. The NRL suspended Mam for nine games and fined him $30,000 for breaching the NRL Code of Conduct. The Broncos, committed to enforcing a strict code of behavior, imposed an additional $90,000 fine. Beyond financial penalties, Mam was mandated to complete a safe driving training program, engage in work or study placements, and participate in ongoing wellbeing support programs. Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy stated that these penalties were designed to reflect the seriousness of the incident and to act as a deterrent against similar behavior in the future. Despite the suspension, Mam has been allowed to continue training with the team, a decision that has been met with mixed reactions from the public and the rugby league community.
Mam’s Path to Redemption
In the aftermath of the accident, Mam expressed deep remorse for his actions. In a heartfelt statement, he described the incident as a "turning point" in his life and committed to personal growth and regaining the trust of his fans, teammates, and the broader community. "I now understand how dangerous and irresponsible my actions were – not only for myself but for everyone on the road that day," he wrote. Mam underwent a four-week rehabilitation program and continues to receive counselling to address the issues that led to his lapse in judgment. His dedication to improving his behavior and mental health has been evident, as he actively engages in the support programs mandated by the Broncos.
The Electric Bike: A Controversial Choice
The recent sightings of Mam on an electric bike have raised eyebrows among the public and authorities. According to reports, the V3 Rogue bike he is using has been allegedly modified to exceed the legal speed limit, capable of reaching up to 50km/h. This has sparked concerns about whether Mam is once again flouting the law and putting himself and others at risk. Electric bikes are subject to specific regulations in Queensland, and modifications that increase their speed can render them illegal. Given Mam’s history, this choice of transportation is particularly scrutinized, and there are calls for him to be more cautious and law-abiding.
Looking Forward: Mam’s Return to the Field
Despite the ongoing controversy surrounding his use of the electric bike, Mam remains focused on his return to the Brisbane Broncos. He is expected to rejoin the team in Round 10 of the 2025 NRL season, a period that will be crucial for demonstrating his commitment to change. The Broncos and the NRL have been supportive of his rehabilitation efforts, recognizing that Mam’s talent is valuable to the team. However, they have also made it clear that his behavior must improve if he is to maintain his place in the squad. Mam’s journey to redemption is far from over, and the coming months will be a test of his resolve to stay on the right path.
