Only on totally private and enclosed land. As soon as you ride on a public road or bicycle path, you're in breach of the law. Neither the police nor insurance companies make exceptions.
What are the fines for tampering with e-bikes in 2025?
Written by: Hanna Stevens | October 20, 2025 | Reading time: 6 minutes
In the Netherlands and Belgium, clear penalties apply if you're caught with a tampered electric bike. Here's an overview of the fines, additional measures and legal consequences in force in 2025. This information can help you understand the risks if you're considering modifying your e-bike, or if you're already using one.
More about the author: Hanna Stevens
Hanna is an avid cyclist who loves exploring new routes and sharing her experiences to inspire others to get on their bikes more often.
Key findings
1. Fines can reach €4,000 or more.
2. Your insurance becomes void in the event of manipulation.
3. The police carry out active checks with test benches and software reading.
4. Want to go faster legally? Choose a speed pedelec with registration and insurance.
What does it mean to tamper with an e-bike?
A tricked-out e-bike is one whose speed limiter or pedal assist has been modified so that the motor delivers more power than the law allows. In the European Union, an electric bike can only assist a cyclist up to 25 km/h and with a maximum power of 250 watts. Once this limit is exceeded, the vehicle's legal status changes. To find out more, read our article on the difference between classic electric bikes and speed pedelecs.
How are e-bikes tampered with?
Several methods are available:
- Software modification: via an application or diagnostic cable, speed parameters are modified or the limiter is removed.
- Debriding kits: an external box or sensor fools the speed sensor into thinking the bike is going slower.
- Mechanical interventions: changes in transmission ratio or engine control to achieve higher speeds.
Is it illegal to tamper with your e-bike?
Yes, in the Netherlands, Belgium and most other EU countries, unbridling is prohibited. As soon as a bike exceeds 25 km/h with assistance, it is no longer considered an electric bike, but an unapproved moped.
This means that you must have :
- a driving license (category B),
- a license plate,
- valid insurance.
If your e-bike exceeds the speed limit :
- you can no longer use bike paths,
- you are no longer insured in the event of an accident,
- you may be held criminally liable in the event of damage,
- the police can seize the bike or issue an official report.
Fines for tampered e-bikes in 2025
| Country | Amount of fine | Possible additional measures |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | 290 € - 4 350 € | Seizure of the bike, report to the insurance company, entry in the register of traffic offences(according to police reports). |
| Belgium | 400 € - 4 000 € | Seizure, possible withdrawal of license, lack of insurance coverage in case of accident (source: SPF Mobilité). |
Amounts may vary depending on the commune or jurisdiction.
These figures reflect recent examples (2023-2025) based on public sources.
Campaigns and controls
- Netherlands: since 2024, the "'t Kan Hard Gaan" campaign has been warning against the risks of unbridling, in collaboration with the police, RAI Vereniging and the government.
- The police use mobile test benches to measure the actual speed of e-bikes.
- Belgium: local police areas are equipped with mobile control bicycles to spot tampered models during home-to-work checks.
Insurance implications
Modifying an e-bike has an immediate impact on your insurance and liability.
As soon as your bike exceeds 25 km/h or 250 W, it is no longer recognized as an electric bike. As a result, even with standard bike insurance, you're no longer covered in the event of an accident.
How can the police or insurance company detect a tampered e-bike?
Contrary to what some people think, debriding always leaves its mark.
In 2025, authorities and insurers will have several reliable methods at their disposal:
Detection methods :
Conclusion: tampering with an e-bike is a real risk
As soon as a bike exceeds 25 km/h or 250 W of assistance, it becomes an unapproved moped.
In concrete terms :
- you risk fines of up to several thousand euros;
- your insurance becomes invalid ;
- you may be held personally liable;
- and your bike can be seized by the police.
Frequently asked questions
Can I disengage my e-bike if I'm only riding on private land?
Can my insurer find out if my e-bike has been tampered with?
Yes, Bosch, Shimano and other motors record speed and firmware logs.
In the event of an accident, an expert can analyze them. If tampering is detected, the insurance is cancelled.
What's the difference between a modified e-bike and a speed pedelec ?
A speed pedelec is legally approved for speeds of up to 45 km/h, with license plate, insurance and helmet required.
A tampered e-bike, on the other hand, is illegal and cannot be used on public roads.
What happens if I cause an accident with a tampered e-bike?
Insurance doesn't reimburse anything, and you have to cover all the costs.
In the event of injury, you risk criminal prosecution.
What's the legal alternative to driving faster?
Choose a powerful, legally compliant speed pedelec or refurbished e-bike.
They are insured, safe and durable.