Source: Nieuwsfiets

The Dutch Public Prosecution Service in the Hague has reported the confiscation of approximately 10,500 illegal fat bikes in 2024, as part of an ongoing crackdown on non-compliant electric bicycles.

The seized vehicles are currently stored at one of ten designated police storage facilities. In addition to the increase in confiscations, the number of fines issued to individuals operating illegal fat bikes has doubled. To address the growing concerns surrounding these vehicles, law enforcement acquired nearly 250 roller test benches in late 2023. Since these tools were put into operation in the summer of 2024, the number of inspections has risen significantly. Thousands of fat bike owners have been subjected to checks across major Dutch cities such as Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht. Inspections have also been conducted in smaller municipalities, including Apeldoorn, Delft, Ede, Goes, Leiden, Haarlem, and Veenendaal.

Increased penalties for violations

In the Netherlands, individuals found operating illegal fat bikes or e-bikes face a fine of €310. This penalty applies to bicycles equipped with a throttle, those capable of exceeding speeds of 25 km/h, or those with a motor exceeding 250 watts. Repeat offenders risk having their vehicles confiscated.

According to police reports, the number of fines issued for non-compliant e-bikes has doubled over the past three years, with violations now numbering in the thousands. Additionally, in the summer of 2024, the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) seized 16,500 unauthorized Chinese fat bikes, particularly in the Port of Rotterdam.

Authorities continue to monitor and enforce regulations to ensure compliance with safety standards and prevent the use of illegal fat bikes on public roads.