Belgium's speedbike registrations hit record as police target illegal fatbikes

Belgium recorded a historic surge in speedbike registrations during the first half of 2026, with 14,778 units (both new and used) registered, surpassing the previous peak by nearly 2,700 units. New registrations reached 8,196, a 9.5% increase over the prior year, while used registrations rose 47.8% to 6,582, now accounting for 44.5% of total registrations. The growth was driven by institutional demand, including public fleets and, for the first time, the defence sector, according to Filip Rylant of the mobility federation Traxio. Eastern Flanders alone contributed 47.5% of new registrations.

In Brugge, police are preparing to enforce stricter controls on fatbikes, introducing a roll‑test device capable of measuring speeds up to 120 km/h and motor power. The city has allocated a budget for the system, aiming for operational use by autumn. Past enforcement actions saw 19 fatbikes inspected in 2025, with two seized, and a total of ten fatbikes seized to date, four of which were destroyed. While fatbikes are currently less prevalent than electric scooters, authorities anticipate increased monitoring as their popularity grows.