Danish police are issuing fines of up to 15,000 kroner (around $2,100) to parents whose children are caught riding illegal electric bikes, as underage riders on souped-up e-bikes pose growing safety risks in traffic. Funen Police regularly stop children as young as 12 on e-bikes capable of speeds up to 50 km/h, double the legal limit.
Illegal E-Bikes Reaching Dangerous Speeds
With just a few clicks on the display, an e-bike can be tuned to reach speeds double the legal limit of 25 kilometers per hour. Funen Police are catching children as young as 12 years old on these illegal bikes, which zip through traffic at speeds up to 50 km/h.
When riders are under the age of criminal responsibility, the hefty fine of 10,000 to 15,000 kroner lands squarely on the parents. Police Assistant Mads Kristiansen from Funen Police explains that if the rider is under 15 years old, it becomes the parents’ responsibility to ensure their child isn’t operating a vehicle that exceeds legal speed limits. As a general rule, authorities charge the parents for having handed over the bike to the child.
Faster Than a Moped
Understanding the rules around e-bikes helps put these speeds in perspective. Most cyclists ride between 18 and 25 km/h without electric assistance. A legal e-bike can only reach a maximum of 25 km/h. For comparison, if a 15-year-old buys a moped, it’s limited to 30 km/h, and a license is required.
The problem arises when 12 to 15-year-olds ride bikes capable of 40 to 45 km/h. At these ages, they lack the training and awareness needed to navigate traffic safely. According to Kristiansen, these young riders can become involved in accidents with people who don’t expect them to approach so quickly.
Alarming Rise in Youth Usage
Nationwide surveys reveal that 11% of Danish youth aged 15 to 24 have ridden illegal e-bikes in the past year. The study, conducted by Rådet for Sikker Trafik and analysis firm Wilke in autumn 2025, polled 3,053 young people. These illegal e-bikes often reach average speeds of 45 km/h, with 25% exceeding 56 km/h.
Parents Cannot Claim Ignorance
Several Danish websites sell these e-bikes legally online, but that doesn’t remove parental responsibility. Some bikes are locked to a maximum speed of 25 km/h when using pedal power. However, others allow users to change speed restrictions with just a few clicks on the handlebar’s built-in computer.
Kristiansen notes that while people can buy many things online, parents cannot claim good faith if the speedometer clearly shows the bike traveling at 40 km/h. Obviously, parents have a responsibility to ensure their children don’t get involved in accidents or become injured. If parents regularly check their children’s vehicles, they might prevent an accident.
Design Issues Add to Danger
These tuned bikes pose severe safety risks because they lack proper design for high speeds. Unlike motorcycles, they don’t have adequate brakes or stability. This increases dangers for both riders and other road users in urban traffic. Rådet for Sikker Trafik specifically warns about heightened crash severity, especially among risk-taking youth.
Growing Accident Rates
According to the Accident Analysis Group at Odense University Hospital, accidents involving e-bikes have increased by 63 percent over the past two years. During the same period, however, the number of e-bikes in traffic has also risen significantly.
In addition to fines ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 kroner, police confiscate the illegal bike. In one documented case, Sydøstjyllands Police issued combined fines of 11,500 kroner to two riders of fatbikes exceeding 40 km/h without pedaling. Repeat offenders face confiscation and potential reclassification of their bikes as unlicensed mopeds.
Insurance Complications
Many illegal e-bikes, particularly cheap imported fatbikes, evade detection despite appearing compliant. GF Forsikring reports rising claims denials under home insurance policies. These bikes often allow easy speed adjustments over 25 km/h or exceed the 250W power limit, which voids coverage. This exposes owners to potentially million-kroner liability in accidents involving pedestrians or property damage.
Legal Requirements Are Clear
Legal e-bike rules in Denmark are strict to ensure safety. The motor must not exceed 250W, and pedal assist can only function up to 25 km/h. No modifications are permitted, and CE marking is required. Surprisingly, no age limit applies, though Rådet for Sikker Trafik recommends riders be at least 15 years old. Go-assist features are limited to 6 km/h.
Meanwhile, speed pedelecs capable of reaching 45 km/h require helmets, licenses for riders under 18, and mandatory insurance.
Police Urge Caution With Online Purchases
Lack of awareness drives much of this issue. Police urge buyers to carefully check online purchases before handing bikes over to children. Sydøstjyllands Police notes a surge in fatbike purchases among youth, with many lacking CE marks or proper pedal requirements.
Insurers and safety councils advise obtaining written documentation from sellers to avoid fines, confiscation, or uninsured damages. As a result, parents need to verify that any e-bike meets legal standards before allowing their child to ride it.
Given that authorities hold parents financially and legally responsible, checking the bike’s specifications isn’t just recommended but essential. Without proper verification, families risk substantial fines and the loss of expensive equipment.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Cycling in Copenhagen: A Comprehensive Guide
The Danish Dream: Bicycles in Denmark for Foreigners
TV2: Bliver barn snuppet på ulovlig elcykel, risikerer mor og far en bøde på 15.000 kroner
