A few taps on an e-bikes display can turn a child’s ride into a costly legal problem. Danish police are intensifying checks on illegally modified electric bicycles, and in some cases the resulting fines—up to DKK 15,000—are being sent directly to parents.
According to reports from TV 2 Fyn, police in several regions, including the island of Funen, are targeting e-bikes that have been altered to provide motor assistance well beyond the legal limit. While a standard e-bike in Denmark may only assist up to 25 km/h, some models can be adjusted to reach speeds of 40–50 km/h, more than double what is permitted on public roads.
Police say children as young as 12 have been stopped riding these modified e-bikes. When the rider is under the age of criminal responsibility, the consequences fall on the parents. Fines typically range from DKK 10,000 to DKK 15,000, and the bicycle itself is confiscated.
Faster than a moped
Put into context, the speed difference is significant. A typical cyclist travels at around 18–25 km/h, which aligns with the maximum assistance level of a legal e-bike. A moped ridden by a 15-year-old, by comparison, is limited to 30 km/h and requires both a licence and liability insurance.
Despite this, police are encountering young riders on e-bikes travelling substantially faster than both conventional bicycles and mopeds.
Legal to buy, illegal to use
Many of the e-bikes in question can be purchased legally online or in physical stores. Some are delivered with a factory speed limit of 25 km/h, while others allow users to change settings directly via the onboard computer. However, police stress that availability does not equal legality.
According to authorities, lack of knowledge is not a valid defence. Regardless of how easily a bike can be modified, responsibility ultimately lies with the owner—and, in the case of minors, with their parents—to ensure the vehicle complies with Danish traffic laws.
