Working with customs agents at the Port of Ashdod, a shipment of over 1,000 electric bicycles was apprehended. A Rehovot bicycle dealer was arrested in connection with the illegal shipment. The bicycles arrived from China under a different name in the hope of avoiding safety inspection.

The suspect in custody was arraigned in the Ashkelon Magistrate Court. He is an authorized importer of electric bicycles who is in the midst of bankruptcy proceedings. It is alleged that the suspect in recent months imported 1,000 “Bik Bike” electric bicycles, which are not approved by the Tov Teken, Israel’s Standards Institute. When presenting the shipments to customs officials, he showed documentation that the shipment was from an authorized bicycle manufacturer.

The bicycles from Bik Bike were tested by standards officials’ nonetheless and the bicycles failed to meet the Israeli safety standards.

The investigation conducted by customs revealed the bicycles sold by the nationwide Yenot Bitan (יינות ביתן) Company were all from Bik Bike. The 665 bicycles that remain in branches were confiscated by authorities, who point out the stores sold the bicycles at the more expensive price like bicycles that meet national safety standards.

The suspect was released on bail with restrictions.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)