Dutch teenagers are seduced by “fatbikes”, these all-terrain electric bikes with impressive designs, which are taking over the roads of the Netherlands. However, these machines, which look like large motorcycles, divide opinion in the country where the bicycle is king. Local authorities are concerned about their increasing danger.
Initially designed for the difficult and snowy terrain of Scandinavian roads, these bikes stand out for their wide wheels, their typical “bobber” handlebars and their single central headlight. These two-wheelers attract an enthusiastic urban clientele, seeking to reduce their travel times without excessive physical effort. The popularity of fatbikes has been boosted by legislation making the wearing of helmets compulsory for scooter drivers in January 2023.
Despite their popularity, these bikes must comply with electric bike regulations, limited to 25 km/h with a motor less than 250 watts. Beyond that, they are classified as mopeds with all the associated constraints. However, a problem arises with fatbikes: they are easily unclampable, allowing speeds above 45 km/h to be reached thanks to simple online tutorials. Additionally, some imported models have oversized batteries, increasing safety risks.
Faced with the escalation of complaints and accidents, the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) has been carrying out investigations since July 2024. In response, this organization announced that it had seized 16,500 illegal models in the port this summer. of Rotterdam, with a thousand other copies spotted in distribution centers.
The debate has extended to the Dutch government. Under pressure from parliamentarians, the Minister of Infrastructure, Barry Madlener, was cautious in declaring that it was difficult to legislate specifically on fatbikes because of their similarities with other electric bikes. However, legislative proposals are emerging, calling for a minimum age of 14 and the compulsory wearing of helmets for their users. A parliamentary vote is planned, leaving until the end of 2024 to finalize legislation on this thorny subject.
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