Turnhout (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – In Turnhout, illegal e-step and fatbike use—especially in Turnova—causes safety issues. Mayor Hannes Anaf boosts police checks, confiscations, and school visits to reduce injuries and enforce rules.
As VRT News reported, in Turnhout, Belgium, the use of e-steps and fatbikes is causing safety issues for both riders and pedestrians. Many riders are breaking the rules. They often exceed the speed limit, ride on sidewalks, and sometimes fail to follow age restrictions. This behaviour is making public spaces dangerous.
Mayor Hannes Anaf says that reckless riders are startling or even injuring pedestrians. Sidewalks, which should be safe for walking, are now hazardous due to the illegal use of e-steps. He mentioned that older people and families with young children are especially at risk. The city is taking this problem seriously and looking for solutions.
Is Turnhout taking enough action against dangerous e-steps and Fatbikes?
Mayor Anaf says riding fast without a helmet can cause serious injuries. Doctors see more head injuries and broken bones from e-step accidents. Many riders don’t know how dangerous these vehicles are. The city wants to enforce rules more strictly, make people more aware, and increase patrols.
According to officials, in Turnhout, the use of e-steps and fatbikes has become a growing concern, particularly in the busy Turnova area, which is a mix of shops, homes, and pedestrian zones. Residents and visitors have voiced their worries about the speed and behaviour of riders, specifically those using modified or “tuned” fatbikes and electric scooters. These modified vehicles often travel at high speeds, with some fatbikes appearing to move without the rider pedalling. This practice is against the law and presents serious safety risks to both riders and pedestrians.
Mayor Hannes Anaf has responded to these concerns by instructing the police to increase checks on e-steps and fatbikes in the problem areas. He mentioned that the goal is to ensure safety and enforce the rules, making the streets safer for everyone.
To make the streets safer, Turnhout is taking action. The police will take away any e-step or fatbike that has been illegally changed. They also want to teach people, especially young people, about the rules.
Officials will visit schools to talk about speed limits, age rules, and where to ride. They will also explain the dangers of accidents and the legal consequences. The city hopes this will make the roads safer for everyone by stopping rule-breaking and reducing injuries.
