News item | 24-04-2026 | 13:30
There is a minimum age fat bikes and a legal basis for it fatbikefree zones for municipalities. Minister Karremans of Infrastructure and Water Management will work on criteria on the basis of which traffic rules will be drawn up for specific fat bikes.
In addition, he continues with mandatory helmet use for all light electric vehicles up to the age of 18 e-bikes and e-scooters and with behavioral measures to prevent nuisance fatbikers to counteract. He also sets new goals in the field of market supervision and enforcement.
Minister Karremans: “A lot fat bikes cause unsafe traffic situations, nuisance and a worrying increase in the number of accidents among young people. I don’t think we should wait any longer to solve these problems. That is why I am presenting the Approach today Fat bikes: this sets out what we will do in the coming years to ensure more safety and less nuisance.”
Separate rules for fat bikes
Previous research stated that the market would adapt if there were separate rules for it fat bikes are set. At the same time, these studies concluded that separate rules for fat bikes are possible. That is why a research agency is commissioned to develop options to pragmatically solve the fatbike distinguishable from the electric bicycle.
Minister Karremans: “The pursuit of a perfect definition leads to a standstill, while the problems are happening before our eyes. That is why a pragmatic approach has now been chosen. Doing nothing is not an option, because it has no effect on road safety.”
Based on the research results, the agreements in the coalition agreement will be further elaborated. The results will be ready this fall.
Market surveillance and enforcement
The government also wants to monitor more strictly for illegally imported goods fat bikes. This is being looked into, also together with Customs, ILT and NVWA. In addition, the technical requirements for electric bicycle parts are being tightened: the RDW is currently inventorying the options for this. In addition, it is provided insight into the scale at which bicycles are transported.
