From Cycle-Friendly to Clampdown: French Mayors Target Illegal Electric Fat Bikes
French cities are facing a growing problem on their streets. Mayors across the country are taking action against heavy electric bikes known as "fat bikes."
For years, French cities worked hard to become cycle-friendly. Mayors earned praise for building new bike lanes and encouraging residents to ride bicycles. Now, those same leaders are trying to control a new two-wheeled danger.
Thomas Cazenave is the mayor of Bordeaux. He is the first mayor in France to order the confiscation of these illegal bikes. Other major cities, including Paris, Strasbourg, and Nice, are also taking steps to stop reckless riding.
The Dangers of Modified E-Bikes
Fat bikes look similar to motocross motorcycles. They feature oversized tires, heavy frames weighing about 30 kilograms, and powerful electric motors.
European Union laws state that standard electric bikes must require pedalling. They must also limit powered speeds to 15.5 miles per hour (25 kilometers per hour) with a maximum motor power of 250 watts.
Despite these rules, many affordable fat bikes arrive from China via the internet. Users can easily modify them to reach speeds up to 30 miles per hour (50 kilometers per hour). Many models also include twist-grip power controls, which turn the bicycle into a motor-driven vehicle.
Mayor Cazenave spoke about the risks to the public during an interview with TF1 television. He noted that being passed on a cycle path by a bike traveling at 50 kilometers per hour is dangerous for everyone. He stated that the city must remain calm and safe, even within its bike lanes. Because of this, Bordeaux police are seizing these dangerous machines and placing them in storage.
Rising Accidents and Traffic Violations
Hospitals and emergency services report an increase in serious accidents involving these illegal e-bikes. Although clear national statistics are not yet available, local enforcement numbers show a clear trend.
In Paris, police issued roughly 1,600 speeding tickets to fat bike riders during the first three months of the year. In comparison, officers issued only 526 tickets for the entire previous year.
Cycling advocacy groups want leaders to take even stronger action. Marion Soulet speaks for the activist group Paris in the Saddle. She explains that simple speeding fines are not enough to stop the problem. She believes that bikes operating outside the law should be completely removed from the streets.
Strasbourg, which is known as one of France's most cycle-friendly cities, is using special roadside checks. Police use rolling test benches to detect speed-limiter tampering. However, enforcement officers note that riders sometimes use smartphone apps to reactivate their speed limits the moment they are stopped.
International Action and Different Perspectives
France is not alone in this fight. Towns in the Netherlands started cracking down on fat bikes after noticing a sharp rise in injuries. For example, the Dutch town of Enschede banned all bicycles with tires wider than seven centimeters and long motorcycle-style saddles. Authorities in Sydney and other Australian towns have also declared war on illegal fat bikes.
Not everyone agrees with the new restrictions. Some delivery drivers and daily users defend the vehicles. They argue that the wide tires provide great comfort, stability, and safety when used properly.
Dan Szenik manages three bicycle shops in Paris that sell these large e-bikes. He compares the trend to car drivers switching to large SUVs. He explains that riders appreciate the bold look, extra seating space, strong grip, and long battery range, which can reach up to 120 kilometers.
Despite these defense arguments, pressure continues to grow. Thibault Quéré represents the French Federation of Bicycle Users. He compares the unrestricted machines to hidden mopeds. He insists that cycle lanes should never become race tracks for illegal motor vehicles. As local governments continue their crackdown, the future of these oversized bikes on French streets remains uncertain.
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