Good news for all Ruff Riders, our fatbikes are fully street-legal, but we realized we still lacked information regarding what is and isn’t permitted with our electric bikes, including fat bikes. Indeed, fat bikes are subject to the same rules as “standard” electric bikes, only they tend to get blamed more easily. This topic is close to our hearts, as it involves not only everyone’s safety, but also the image of our community. Riding on a non-compliant bike means exposing yourself to legal, financial, and above all physical risks. Here is therefore a complete reminder of the regulations currently in force.
European regulations are very clear:
- Motor limited to 250 W
- Pedalling is required for the assistance to function
- Automatic cut-off of electric assistance above 25 km/h
These criteria constitute the legal definition of an electric bicycle. This status is fundamental: it allows you to ride on cycle paths, means you do not need to wear a motorcycle-approved helmet, and above all, you do not need registration plates or specific insurance beyond standard civil liability. Generally speaking, bicycles built in Europe, such as Ruff Cycles fat bikes, comply with these standards and offer a quality and safety guarantee compared to non-certified bikes. What happens if these criteria are not met? If any one of these points is not respected, the bike is then considered a moped in the eyes of the law. This implies:
- Holding a licence
- A registration obligation
- An obligation to take out insurance
- A ban from riding on cycle paths
- An obligation to wear motorcycle protections
- Criminal and financial penalties if stopped by authorities
In short, the bike loses all the practical appeal that makes it an enjoyable, accessible and flexible mode of urban transport. Yet that is precisely the whole point of fat bikes like Ruff Cycles: getting around comfortably, efficiently and with style! Fat bikes must therefore remain a safe, enjoyable and stylish means of transport.
A widespread problem across the European market
The figures speak for themselves: across Europe, an overwhelming proportion of fat bikes on the market do not comply with current regulations. Massively imported from Asia and offered at attractive prices on online retail platforms, these bikes feature real power outputs far exceeding the 250W limit set by European regulations, and some models are capable of reaching assisted speeds above 45 km/h, making them look far more like electric scooters than genuine electrically assisted bicycles.
With this new market reality, caution is essential when making a purchase: it is vital to ensure that the bike in question holds the required European certifications, which guarantees a basic level of compliance and safety.
That’s why we chose to equip our bike with Bosch or Bafang engines, that guarantee a safe and chill ride by respecting the european rules.
