Sassari Police Seize Dangerous ‘Motorbike-Bikes’ in City-Wide Crackdown – Breaking News
Sassari, Italy – Local authorities in Sassari are taking swift action against a growing trend of dangerously modified bicycles, dubbed “make-up bikes,” that have been operating illegally and posing a significant risk to public safety. This breaking news comes after a series of accidents prompted a major operation by the Sassari Local Police, resulting in the seizure of eleven vehicles on Tuesday, with further enforcement planned.
Photo: Chessa and Nuvoli
The Rise of ‘Motorbike-Bikes’ and the Safety Concerns
These aren’t your average bicycles. The “make-up bikes” are essentially bicycles fitted with powerful motors, often bypassing the pedals entirely. Driven by couriers and others, they’ve been observed traveling at speeds far exceeding the legal limits – up to 6 kilometers per hour for standard e-bikes, and 25 kilometers per hour with pedal assist. Crucially, these modified bikes lack essential safety features like insurance, license plates, and even basic protective gear like helmets. The result? A recipe for disaster, as evidenced by the three recent accidents that triggered the police intervention.
“These vehicles were darting between people and cars, creating a very dangerous situation for everyone,” stated a spokesperson for the Sassari Local Police. “The modifications not only increase speed illegally but also compromise the structural integrity of the bikes, making them extremely precarious to operate.”
Heavy Penalties and Ongoing Enforcement
The consequences for operating these illegal vehicles are substantial. Violators face fines exceeding €4,000 for the modifications themselves, and over €3,000 specifically for exceeding speed limits. Additional penalties apply for lacking a license plate, failing to wear a helmet, and operating without insurance. The eleven seized bikes are slated for confiscation.
The crackdown isn’t limited to bicycles. Police are also targeting illegally modified scooters and, increasingly, single-member micro-mobility vehicles (SMMVs). Recent regulatory changes in 2024 have brought SMMVs under stricter control, requiring helmet use and prohibiting sidewalk riding. Officers have already issued numerous citations for helmet violations and for riding SMMVs with multiple passengers.
E-Bike Regulations: A Growing Global Concern
This situation in Sassari highlights a growing global challenge: the regulation of increasingly powerful and modified e-bikes and micromobility devices. While e-bikes offer a sustainable and convenient transportation option, their potential for misuse and the associated safety risks are becoming increasingly apparent. Many cities are grappling with how to balance the benefits of e-mobility with the need to protect pedestrians and other road users.
For readers interested in learning more about e-bike regulations in their area, resources like the PeopleForBikes State E-bike Laws map provide a comprehensive overview. Understanding local laws is crucial for both riders and pedestrians.
Yesterday, Wednesday, the 17th, the local police carried out a series of technical tests in Piazzale Segni to further assess the modifications and ensure compliance with safety standards. The operation is expected to continue in the coming weeks, with a focus on identifying and addressing these dangerous vehicles before they cause further harm.
The swift response from the Sassari Local Police sends a clear message: prioritizing public safety means enforcing regulations and holding accountable those who put others at risk. This is a developing story, and Archyde.com will continue to provide updates as they become available. Stay tuned for the latest SEO-optimized Google News coverage.
