Fraud

Thousands of mopeds sold as electric bikes have been seized across Italy; a businessman from Palermo is under investigation

According to estimates by the Gdf, at least 6,885 vehicles are believed to have been imported since 2023, with a total value of around 5 million euros

by Pietro Menzani

30 July 2026

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L'operazione della Guardia di Finanza che ha portato al sequestro in tutta Italia di migliaia di motorini elettrici, importati dalla Cina, venduti illegalmente come bici con pedalata assistita e non conforme alle norme di sicurezza europee e italiane, ANSA

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

Thousands of illegal electric scooters imported from China have been seized across the country by the Palermo Financial Police. According to the findings of the investigation, the vehicles were reportedly sold as pedal-assisted bicycles and did not comply with the CE marking, which certifies that a product meets the safety, health and environmental protection requirements established by the European Union. A Palermo-based businessman and a company are currently under investigation for commercial fraud and forgery of public documents.

The operation by the Fiamme Gialle

The operation required a significant deployment of resources. Given the widespread use of scooters across the entire peninsula, it was necessary to enlist the cooperation of the Guardia di Finanza in Calabria, Campania, Puglia, Lombardy, Sardinia and Tuscany. The seizures were carried out at the warehouses of wholesalers and retailers.

The investigations, which also involved the cooperation of the Gioia Tauro Financial Police, revealed serious shortcomings in the documentation certifying that the e-bikes presented to customs by the Palermo-based entrepreneur complied with safety requirements at the time of their importation from abroad. According to estimates by the financial police, at least 6,885 vehicles have been imported since 2023, with a total value of around 5 million euros.

Thanks in part to the assistance of the Ministries of Infrastructure and Made in Italy, as well as trade associations, further investigations reportedly confirmed the existence of a system of incomplete certifications: the technical files were missing the overall drawings of the machine and the control circuit diagrams, detailed and complete drawings accompanied by calculation notes and test results, documentation relating to risk assessment, the standards and technical specifications applied, and reports on test results, as well as the measures taken to prevent changes to the technical characteristics of the vehicles.

E-bikes

Le-bike and Epac are pedal-assisted bicycles. They are fitted with an auxiliary electric motor with a maximum power output of 250 watts. The power supply is cut off or gradually reduced if you stop pedalling, and in any case before your speed reaches 25 kilometres per hour.

The manufacture of e-bikes is governed by the 2006 European ‘Machinery’ Directive, which sets out the compliance, safety and health protection requirements essential for their placing on the market; this must be accompanied by documentation proving compliance.

The threat to public safety

The crackdown was necessary due to the danger these vehicles pose to public safety. Although they look like scooters, they are marketed as pedal-assisted bicycles; they are often modified to alter their technical specifications and are driven without number plates or type approval. In their unmodified state, these vehicles reach speeds of 50 kilometres per hour, but fitting a higher-capacity battery can significantly increase their speed.

The lack of number plates and insurance, as well as posing a threat to public safety, means that these vehicles are often used for criminal activities, as they make it difficult to identify the perpetrators. Furthermore, in the event of an accident, the victim will not even be able to claim compensation for the damage suffered. Accidents involving illegal scooters are, in fact, not covered by the Road Accident Victims’ Guarantee Fund.

The investigations were launched partly as a result of numerous reports from trade associations, members of the public, public bodies and the media, which have recently highlighted the chaotic and uncontrolled use of illegal scooters on the streets of Palermo and other major Italian cities; these are, moreover, often ridden by very young people.

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