Italy faces safety emergency over illegally modified electric vehicles

Italian authorities are treating the illegal modification of electric bicycles and scooters as a national safety emergency ^[1].

These modifications allow lightweight vehicles to reach speeds far beyond legal limits, effectively transforming them into unregistered mopeds. This trend creates significant risks for pedestrians and other road users, particularly in densely populated urban areas where these vehicles operate without the safety equipment required for motorized transport ^[1], ^[2].

Reports from late 2024 and early 2025 highlight a growing trend of riders altering the software or hardware of their electric bikes and scooters to bypass factory speed caps ^[1], ^[2]. In cities such as Bologna, the presence of these "truccati" — or rigged — vehicles has turned streets into hazardous zones for pedestrians ^[3].

The illegal alterations shift the vehicles into a different legal category, known as ciclomotori ^[1]. While standard electric bicycles are designed for low-speed assistance, the modified versions operate as full-powered motorcycles without the corresponding insurance, license plates, or safety certifications required by Italian law ^[2], ^[3].

Law enforcement agencies said that the lack of regulation in this "jungle" of modified means makes it difficult to manage traffic flow and ensure public safety ^[3]. The speed of these vehicles, combined with the riders' lack of protective gear, has led to an increase in dangerous road interactions ^[1], ^[3].

Authorities said they continue to monitor the situation as they attempt to curb the sale of modification kits and increase patrols to identify illegally altered vehicles ^[1], ^[2].