The city of Parma becomes the first in Italy to introduce targeted road checks to unmask rigged electric bicycles, thanks to the use of an innovative and curious measuring instrument called Dynostar. On October 6, the local police and the Velo Unit positioned this portable test bench in key and very busy areas of the historic center such as Via D’Azeglio and Piazza Garibaldi.
The operation of the instrument resembles a small miniature treadmill, but designed to test the motors of two wheels: in just a few hours of activity in the field, the device made it possible to identify and sanction as many as 15 drivers. The initiative was also born in the wake of recent news events, including the bad fall of a thirteen-year-old in the Cittadella Park, fortunately in the process of improving after being admitted to intensive care.
The regulatory difference between regular e-bikes and illegal mopeds with fines of up to 15,000 euros
The heart of the issue lies in the technical and legal compliance of vehicles circulating on cycle paths and in limited traffic areas. Under Italian law, a normal pedal-assisted bicycle or Epac must respect very specific limits, such as a motor with a maximum nominal power of 250 watts and the automatic interruption of assistance when exceeding 25 km/h.
However, the practice of unlocking the electronics or modifying the software transforms these cycles into real scooters capable of reaching dangerous speeds. When the vehicle is considered to all intents and purposes a moped but circulates without registration, license plate and insurance coverage, the economic consequences become substantial: the administrative sanctions envisaged can in fact fluctuate between a minimum of 5,000 and a maximum of 15,000 euros, in addition to the immediate seizure of the vehicle. Meanwhile, trade organizations such as Fiab, Ancma and Assoutenti have presented a formal appeal to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport to ask for clearer rules and to protect urban safety and the market of regular producers.
