The number of electric bicycles on the roads of Cyprus is rapidly increasing, with speeds that are several times higher than the limit established by law. More and more cases are being recorded in which such vehicles accelerate to 45–60 km/h instead of the permitted 25 km/h. The police emphasize that the operation of electric bicycles with disabled speed limiters on public roads in Cyprus is prohibited and poses a serious safety threat.
Legal import — illegal riding
According to police data and market participants, most electric bicycles are imported to the island legally and sold in full compliance with European and Cypriot legislation. At the time of sale, they have software speed restrictions, and their power complies with the standards for their category. However, after purchase, many users without special technical skills remove the factory limits, turning the vehicle from a city bicycle into a high-speed electric bike.
Dealer representatives acknowledge that the problem is widespread. According to them, these bicycles leave the store with a maximum speed of 25 km/h, but after a short time they turn out to be “unlocked” and capable of traveling three times faster. This creates a legal vacuum between the moment of sale and actual use.
When an electric bicycle is no longer a bicycle
Authorities are particularly concerned about models that are formally sold as electric bicycles but, in terms of technical characteristics, are closer to electric motorcycles. These are vehicles with power from 800 to 2,000 watts, capable of reaching speeds of up to 60 km/h. Such parameters go far beyond the limits established by EU regulations for electric bicycles.
The problem is compounded by the fact that such vehicles cannot be legally certified, registered, or insured in Cyprus. They do not undergo technical inspection and, in the event of an accident, create serious risks for drivers, pedestrians, and other road users. In effect, unregistered motor vehicles without any liability or insurance coverage are appearing on the roads.
Impact on the market and EU rules
Law-abiding sellers are increasingly reporting unfair competition. Companies that strictly comply with Cypriot legislation and European Union standards find themselves at a disadvantage compared to those who turn a blind eye to further modification of equipment. Additional tension is created by suspicions of violations of EU anti-dumping rules, especially with regard to some Chinese-made electric bicycles that are sold at reduced prices and with deliberately excessive power.
Police strengthen road controls
The Cyprus police have officially confirmed that the problem is under constant supervision. In 2024–2025, inspections were intensified, and patrols were given clear instructions on how to identify modified electric bicycles. Traffic police officers check the actual speed and power of the vehicles and also determine whether changes were made after the sale.
If an unregistered and uninsured vehicle is detected, it is subject to seizure in accordance with current legislation. The authorities acknowledge that the classification of such vehicles — between a bicycle, scooter, and moped — remains complex, but emphasize that control will continue. The goal is to reduce accidents, bring order to the market, and ensure safety on the island’s roads.
Against the backdrop of the growing popularity of electric transport, Cyprus, like other EU countries, is increasingly faced with the need to tighten supervision and clarify the rules. For now, responsibility for compliance with the law lies not only with sellers but also with the owners of electric bicycles themselves, who increasingly forget that speed is not only convenience, but also risk.
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