Police confiscated 10,500 illegal fatbikes last year

The police confiscated at least 10,500 fatbikes last year, which are now stored in 10 special locations, the public prosecution department said on Thursday.

The number of fines handed out to the drivers of the wide-tyred e-bikes has also doubled over the past year, the department said.

Since the end of 2023, the police have bought almost 250 mobile testing stations at €17,000 each to assess the bikes and ensure they have not been modified. According to the AD, there have been dozens of mass checks involving thousands of bikes since then.

People caught riding an illegal fatbike face a fine of €310, and the bike will be confiscated after a second offence.

Transport ministry inspectors also seized an additional 16,500 fatbikes from China that failed safety tests.

MPs have called for new rules to cover fatbikes because of their popularity among youngsters and an alarming rise in injuries. However, the government says any new regulations—such as an age limit and compulsory helmets—would have to apply to all e-bikes, and this is something it is unwilling to do.