With the campaign ‘Not Always What You Think: From Fatbike to E-scooter’, the police zone of Balen-Dessel-Mol and the municipal authorities of Balen, Dessel, and Mol are explaining the rules for fatbikes, e-bikes, e-scooters, and speed pedelecs step by step. The campaign runs for 10 weeks and focuses on recognizable misunderstandings. Since September 1st, 19 two-wheelers have been confiscated, mainly fatbikes, mopeds, and e-scooters.
The campaign emphasizes that the technical characteristics of a vehicle determine which rules apply, even if it looks like a regular bicycle. The manner of use is also crucial. During checks, such as the one on October 7th at the Rondplein where 12 violations were recorded and 4 confiscations occurred, the police notice that riders do not always know the rules.
A distinction is made between administrative and judicial confiscation. Administrative confiscation can occur for not following usage rules, such as riding with two people on one e-scooter. Judicial confiscation concerns vehicles that are technically modified or non-compliant, like an overpowered moped or a fatbike with a throttle. Further processing is handled by the public prosecutor's office.
The police combine enforcement with prevention. The message is clear: know what you are riding, know the rules, and check the technical specifications before purchasing. More information is available at politie.be/5368/verkeer. Questions about the rules can be directed to the Balen-Dessel-Mol police zone at 014 33 37 00.
