Italy intensifies e-bike inspections with ‘bicivelox’ tools

Italian municipalities are intensifying inspections of electric bicycles using a new tool known as ‘bicivelox’. These portable roller benches allow local police to measure the actual power and speed of e-bikes in real time.

Under Italian law, pedal-assist bicycles must have a maximum continuous power of 250 watts (or 500 watts for cargo bikes) and the motor assistance must cease at 25 km/h. Many users are bypassing these limits using software modifications or hardware kits, effectively turning e-bikes into unregistered mopeds capable of speeds exceeding 50 km/h.

When a vehicle is found to be modified, it is legally reclassified as a moped. This triggers severe penalties for operating an unregistered vehicle without a license plate, insurance, or a certified helmet. Fines for these violations can reach up to 15,000 euros, and authorities may also seize the vehicle.

In Parma, recent tests resulted in 15 citations. Organizations such as Assoutenti and FIAB note that while e-bike usage in Italy has grown by 50% over the last five years, reaching approximately 1.8 million units, up to 80% of inspected vehicles in some northern cities have been found to be illegally modified.