11-Year-Old Loses Fatbike That Hit 58 km/h - Bike to Be Destroyed

Police in Delft confiscated an electric fatbike capable of reaching 58 kilometers per hour. Its rider was an 11-year-old boy.

The bike caught officers' attention because the boy did not need to pedal and was moving faster than a police car through a residential neighborhood. The fatbike achieved its speed through a throttle mechanism.

A fatbike is classified as an electric bicycle and is only permitted to offer pedal assistance up to 25 km/h. If it continues moving without the rider pedaling, it is legally considered a motor vehicle.

While first-time offenders typically receive a warning, the Public Prosecution Service authorized immediate seizure due to the extreme speed. The boy's parents have been notified, police reported on social media.

The fatbike was subsequently forfeited, meaning the owner will not get it back - it will be destroyed.

"We are increasingly encountering modified fatbikes that reach high speeds and are equipped with a throttle. This creates life-threatening situations, especially when young children ride them in traffic," police said.

Authorities are urging parents: "Be aware of what your child is riding. Check whether a fatbike has been modified and meets legal requirements. A tampered fatbike can not only lead to hefty fines and confiscation, but most importantly to very serious traffic accidents."

A police spokesperson noted that 58 km/h is exceptionally fast - most modified fatbikes they inspect top out at around 40 km/h.