Despite this summer’s fine of 550,000,000 euros, Europe warns: “Either we get serious or it will be filled with illegal electric bikes.”
02/10/2026 13:00
Updated to
02/10/2026 13:00
This summer, there was a news story that shocked the world: the EU imposed a record fine of 550 million euros on AliExpress, part of Alibaba Group (the world’s largest B2B e-commerce platform), for selling illegal products, including electric bicycles.
"Modifying EPACs to exceed factory specifications not only compromises safety but also alters the nature of the vehicle, which is why corresponding regulatory requirements exist" (ECI).
The cycling industry, led by ECI (European Cycling Industries), has warned about an increase in electric bicycles (EPAC or Pedelecs) that do not comply with regulations entering the market, mainly through online sales and even more illicit means (smuggling).
ECI itself examines this problem, which affects the entire value chain—from components that can be easily manipulated during manufacturing and customs fraud to bicycles that simply do not meet regulatory standards. ECI is quite clear: the industry itself is responsible for ensuring that EPACs comply with regulations from their design stage and are resistant to unauthorized modifications.
In addition to actions taken by the EU against Alibaba, ECI believes it is necessary to raise awareness both at point of sale and among consumers about the safety issues associated with bicycles that do not comply with regulations, as well as the use of modification kits (such as those for removing speed limits).
An example: ECI sees a significant initiative by the UK Bicycle Association, “E-Bike Positive,” which introduces a safety trust mark for brands and retailers to guide consumers when purchasing an electric bicycle.
We need to assist the authorities
The ECI is working on a document to demonstrate the industry’s commitment to combating manipulation: this will also assist market surveillance and regulatory authorities in identifying when an eBike fails to meet regulations or has been tampered with, by using cutting-edge tools and methods developed by the cycling industry itself.
"In June 2025, Greek authorities seized around 500 containers at the Port of Piraeus, 360 of which contained undeclared eBikes" (ECI).
In 2026, ECI published a 'white paper' on the non-compliance and manipulation of EPAC electric bikes ("Safeguarding the European E-Bike Market: Addressing E-Bike Non-Compliance"), whose goal is clear: to protect road safety and the industry’s reputation from illegal products, many of which are imported through e-commerce platforms outside the EU.
The document "Safeguarding the European E-Bike Market: Addressing E-Bike Non-Compliance" called for, among many other things, the following measures:
A ban on kits that alter the maximum speed of EPAC electric bikes.
Developing different technologies that cannot be reversed: encrypted firmware or authentication between the motor, battery, and controller.
More control and oversight of the market
In short, it can be said that ECI is taking this issue seriously—a problem that, unfortunately, still isn’t recognized as such by certain user groups who view illegal electric bikes and speed-up kits favorably. There have always been fraudsters, and it is they that ECI aims to raise awareness about through this initiative.
