Ouxi V8 fatbikes declared illegal in the EU

Rosie Burgin
Published: 01 Oct 2024Last update: 04 Oct 2024


The Dutch Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) already confiscated 16,500 illegal bikes, and Ouxi fatbikes have now been declared illegal across the European Union.

BRUSSELS, Belgium – The European Commission has officially declared that Ouxi V8 fatbikes are considered an ‘unauthorised’ vehicle in the European Union. This means that anyone riding these vehicles is driving illegally and uninsured on the road. The China-made vehicles have risen in popularity in the Netherlands this year.

Fatbikes are a hot topic in the Netherlands where authorities recently seized a total of 16,500 fatbikes that do not meet the legal requirements of an e-bike or a moped. These fatbikes usually go faster than 25 km/h or than can be done easily by changing the settings on the display. Other models have a power output of more than 250 Watts and can be driven with a throttle. If that’s the case the fatbike needs to comply with the same regulations as a moped which means at least a European type approval. In the Netherlands riding these bikes also requires a license plate, third-party insurance, helmet and driving license.

High injury risk

The EC has determined that the Ouxi V8 does not meet the requirements of the regulation on the approval and market surveillance of two- or three-wheeled vehicles and quadricycles. This electric fatbike is listed in the EU’s alert system for dangerous products. The listing indicates that it concerns an Ouxi V8 fatbike with a 15 Ah and 48 V battery, originating from China. The listed risk is ‘injuries’ and described as a ‘vehicle that is sold as an electrically power assisted cycle (EPAC), but goes faster than 25 km/h. This increases the risk of accidents and injuries, and may pose a risk to other road users.’


Reading tip!

16,500 fatbikes seized in the Netherlands due to non-compliance with type approval

In the Netherlands, many Ouxi V8 fatbikes have been sold illegally. Dutch media reports that an estimated 50,000 of these illegal Ouxi’s have been sold in the Netherlands. Industry insiders suggest that up to 130,000 Ouxi’s could have been sold in 2024 alone. The EC has now ordered withdrawal of the product from the market and this applies not only to bikes currently being sold, but also to those that have already been sold, which are now deemed illegal.

La Souris under investigation

The Dutch Public Prosecution Service has launched a criminal investigation into fatbike seller La Souris and its owner, Armando Muis. Last month, the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) seized 1,100 fatbikes from La Souris as they were deemed not safe, according to the inspectorate.

Additionally, La Souris was recently featured in a documentary of the program BOOS, in which Muis as ‘the largest fatbike seller in the Netherlands’ was accused of selling illegal fatbikes. In BOOS (available on YouTube with automatic translation into English) La Souris allegedly sold fatbikes of 500 or 750 watts as ‘restricted 250-watt e-bikes’ and many customers were unaware of whether their fatbike was legal or not.

Illegal vehicles off the market

According to Robin Cats, co-owner of Knaap Fatbikes, these vehicles pose a direct threat to road safety as they are used without proper approval and insurance. “This contributes to the growing nuisance caused by such vehicles. It is important to emphasise that the design of the fatbike itself is not the issue, but that illegal versions like the Ouxi V8 are the real cause of safety problems.”

Robin Cats continues: “Knaap welcomes this decision by the EU. We advocate for authorities to enforce the ban on the sale and use of these illegal vehicles. This is an important step towards safer roads without the need for new regulations. Legal fatbikes, such as those from Knaap, comply with all regulations and are a safe and sustainable mode of transport.” He stresses the importance of informing the public about the risks of riding illegal vehicles like the Ouxi V8 fatbikes. “This vehicle must be removed from the market according to the EU, and we hope the responsible authorities will take swift action.”

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