Jongeren laten fatbikes sneller rijden: 'Geeft een kick'

Summary

Fatbikes are popular electric bikes with thick tires, often used by youth. They require little effort to ride but can go very fast. Some youth illegally modify their fatbikes to go even faster, making them dangerous. Modified fatbikes resemble mopeds but don't require a license or helmet. Experts worry these souped-up fatbikes are extremely hazardous, yet easy for teens to illegally obtain and modify further. Police are now cracking down on illegally modified fatbikes, which can result in high fines for offenders.

Takeaways

• 😀 Fatbikes are popular electric bikes with thick tires, especially among youth.
• 😖 Fatbikes are often involved in accidents due to high speeds.
• 😟 Fatbikes can be illegally modified to go faster than 25 km/h.
• 😨 Illegally modified fatbikes are very dangerous.
• 😤 Underage riders illegally ride modified fast fatbikes without license or insurance.
• 😡 Social media shows how to illegally modify fatbikes.
• 😱 Illegally modified fatbikes are unregistered vehicles and not insured.
• 🤬 Sellers provide codes to illegally upgrade fatbike speeds.
• 😠 Police are cracking down on illegally modified fatbikes.
• 😥 Riders of illegal fatbikes face fines up to hundreds of euros.

Q & A

What are fatbikes and why are they popular among young people?

Fatbikes are expensive electric bicycles with thick tires that are popular among young people because they require little effort to ride. You just have to push a button and it goes by itself.

What are the rules and regulations for riding a fatbike?

Fatbikes are considered electric bicycles and can only go up to 25 km/h legally. No license, registration or helmet is required. This makes them attractive to young people.

How are some young people modifying their fatbikes to make them go faster?

Some young people use special software and codes to override the speed limit. They also add a throttle so you don't have to pedal and can just control speed with a gas handle.

Why is modifying fatbikes to go faster dangerous?

The modified fatbikes can go over 45 km/h, making them effectively illegal mopeds. Riders are uninsured, unlicensed and could get in serious trouble if something happens.

What do young fatbike riders say about the thrill of high speeds?

They say going 50 km/h gives a rush or kick in your body, like being in a fast car. The high speed is exciting for them.

How are fatbike sellers helping enable illegal modifications?

Some sellers provide codes to customers to easily bypass the 25 km/h limit, despite this being illegal.

What accidents have illegally modified fatbikes caused?

Accidents include young riders losing control at high speeds on slippery roads. Cities report frequent crashes involving souped-up fatbikes.

How are authorities cracking down on illegal fatbike modifications?

Police now use roller benches to check fatbike speeds. Anyone caught with an illegal bike can face fines of hundreds of euros.

Why should fatbike speed limits be strongly enforced?

To prevent serious injuries and make sure riders have insurance. Also because modified fatbikes break traffic laws and endanger others.

What precautions should young people take before getting a fatbike?

Understand the laws, risks and responsibilities. Consider a regular bike first. Don't override the speed limit or remove pedal assist.