Are fixed gear bikes illegal?

In short, no. To our knowledge, it is completely legal everywhere in the world to ride a fixed gear bicycle when they are equipped with brakes. The problem arises with the question: "can you ride fixed gear bike without brakes?" 

And here we come across some laws that completely ban brakeless fixed gear bicycles. These laws vary from country to country, so the best way to find out would be to contact your local police or look at the forums in your home country. 

Here are rules of few counties that we found out about:

Austria: Bicycles without brakes are not legal on public roads. Every bike needs to have two independent brakes, also note that when conditions require it lights are mandatory as well.

Belgium: Bicycles are required to have both front and rear brake, bell and reflectors or lights.

Denmark: All bicycles are required to have brakes on both wheels, reflectors, and bells.

France: Both front and the rear brake is required and 2 lights. However, laws are rarely enforced.

Germany: Front and the rear brake is required. Due to some high profile cases in Berlin, this law is strictly enforced.

Italy: Both front and the rear brake is required and 2 lights. However, laws are rarely enforced.

Netherlands: Bicycles should have a braking system that is adequate.  

Poland: One functional brake is required

Spain: Both front and the rear brake is required and 2 lights. However, laws are rarely enforced.

United Kingdom: Front and the rear brake is required. Due to recent high profile cases in London, this law is strictly enforced.

We ship all our bicycles equipped with front and rear brake and highly recommend not taking them off unless you plan to use your bicycle in closed track conditions and away from traffic. For more information about our bikes visit our store by clicking on the logo below. 

Unknown Bikes Europe is the official source of Unknown bicycles, frames, components and other accessories for every fixed gear rider throughout Europe. We build premium fixed gear and single speed bicycles with great passion.