An ‘unguided missile’, ‘life-threatening’ and ‘crazy’. This is how traffic expert Paul van de Coevering describes the fact that two fat bikers were caught last weekend with souped-up fat bikes that could reach speeds of 57 and even 100 kilometers per hour.
The expert, affiliated with Breda University, compares it with the mopeds that were often performed in the past. “They made a lot of noise, so you heard them coming,” he explains. “You don’t hear that with fat bikes: you are more shocked.”
He also sees many young people who look at their phone or wear headphones while on the road. “That doesn’t help either. So if you add high speed, risky behavior and distraction by the telephone together, you don’t have to be an expert to know that this causes many accidents.”
Fat bikes are allowed to travel at a maximum speed of 25 kilometers per hour, but are regularly accelerated. This entails major risks, Van de Coevering warns. “A normal fat bike is not made for that speed. The brakes often do not work optimally and the frame is no longer stable at such a speed. They are unguided projectiles and it is really crazy.”
Serious injuries
According to the traffic expert, a souped-up fat bike is comparable to a moped in terms of power. “And that is even illegal, because it has been staged and would never be approved by the RDW.” According to him, a crash at 50 kilometers per hour or more can have major consequences. “The chance that you will get away with it is very small.”
He mentions serious injuries and even death as possible consequences. “If you hit the ground with your head, you can already suffer permanent trauma at a speed of 40. Let alone if you drive at 60.” Helmets have been mandatory for scooter drivers since 2023. Speed pedelec users are also required to wear a helmet. This obligation does not yet apply to fat bikers, while some souped-up fat bikes can reach much higher speeds.
Risks
According to Van de Coevering, the risks of 25 kilometers per hour are also often underestimated. “For many people, 25 is now a normal speed, but they are mistaken about how fast that already is.”
According to him, the danger is not limited to the driver himself. Other road users are also at risk from souped-up fat bikes. “If you are young and you want to do crazy things, do it on your own property and not in public,” he warns.