Brussels-based electric bike manufacturer, Cowboy, is under judicial scrutiny concerning its “Race” game, announced the Brussels prosecutor’s office on Tuesday.
The game, launched earlier this month, encourages cyclists to compete in a 500-metre race via an app connected to the bike.
"Cowboy is suspected of allowing its customers to race electric bikes against each other through ‘exciting games’ via their app," stated the prosecutor, adding that it marked an irresponsible and hazardous practice for customers.
"The road safety of Brussels residents and daily visitors to the capital takes absolute precedence," they further highlighted.
The Vias Institute responded with apprehension to the game’s launch. In the Netherlands, Amsterdam’s mayor, Femke Halsema, labelled the game "absurd and reckless" before lodging a case with police and judiciary.
On Monday, Cowboy announced the suspension of the controversial game to quell the outrage triggered by this feature while pledging to reassess the game’s safety.
