September 13, 2024 - Dutch inspectors with the Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) have impounded approximately 16,500 illegal electric fatbikes over the past seven weeks reports Dutch NL.
The seizure is part of an investigation that the ILT has been conducting since July 2024 when 3,500 units were seized. The e-fatbikes are illegal because they can reach speeds of up to 45 kph by using a simple code or app, however the legal maximum speed for electric bikes in Europe is 25 kph.
In addition, the frame, brakes and tires of the illegal units have not been tested or manufactured for these kinds of speeds and can result in dangerous situations with a high risk of accidents and injuries.
There are mounting concerns about the surge in accidents involving e-fatbikes which jumped to 59 incidents in 2023 from only seven in 2022. In the first four months of this year, there have already been 33 hospitalizations.
An annual survey by European traffic safety organization, Cyclorama, says that 83% of Amsterdam residents feel that traffic in their city is becoming more dangerous.
Read more in Dutch NL here and about the safety concerns here.
