The shiny black electric cars known as Biros, which dot the pavements in well-heeled parts of Amsterdam, face new rules from January 1, the city council has decided.

From January 1, Biros must have a number plate, will be banned from the bike lanes, and must park in legal parking spaces, the Volkskrant reported on Friday. Drivers who continue to park on the pavement face fines of €95.

People with physical disabilities to adapt their Biros for use as invalid cars, like Cantas, will be exempt from the pavement ban.

However, the cars, which cost upwards of €12,000, are an environment-friendly form of transport and the city is looking at ways to encourage their use. One option up for consideration is the introduction of a city-wide parking permit.

‘The Biro is an attractive form of transport and should replace existing cars in as many places as possible,’ city transport alderman Sharon Dijksma is quoted as saying.