From January 1, Dutch people with mopeds must wear a helmet. The demand for suitable helmets has therefore increased, according to a survey by Omroep Brabant. “It’s a madhouse,” says scooter dealer Prudon in Volkel. The helmets are often sold out online. The helmets are also selling like hot cakes at scooter shop Hurkx in Eindhoven this week.
“Many people do not know that the helmet is mandatory for mopeds from January 1, we receive many calls with questions about the starting date,” says Jolanda Hurkx of the shop in Eindhoven. She believes this is because little publicity has been given to it. For example, there are no commercials on television. Hurkx itself uses social media to make customers aware of this.
The government has introduced the rule in the expectation that this will reduce the number of road deaths and road injuries among moped riders. A light moped is allowed to drive at a maximum speed of 25 kilometers per hour and can be recognized by a blue license plate.
Angelique van de Werf came to the store with her husband on Thursday to buy helmets: “It is of course mandatory, but also good for safety. Although the feeling of freedom is less with a helmet on. But if everyone has to , then we all look the same again,” says van de Werf.
Beautiful hairstyles
Helmets are compulsory, especially for women. For example, if you have a nice haircut, the ladies in the shop say: “I’ll just take a comb with me from now on,” says Van de Werf. Saleswoman Brit also sees the helmet as a disadvantage for her haircut: “For me at least, I think I will bring a case with hairspray and a comb from now on”.
Dennis van Kranenbroek has come to the store to buy a helmet for his daughter. “They are sold out almost everywhere. They are offered online, but if you want to order them, they are not in stock.” He thinks the new helmet requirement is wise. Fortunately, his daughter also has no problem with it: “She has long, straight hair, so it will stay in place,” he says with a smile.
Fine
Anyone who intends to continue driving without a helmet from the New Year risks a fine of €100. “I think that maybe a small part of the youth does not want to wear a helmet, but they have to for safety. A helmet costs around seventy euros, so they still have money left over a fine,” says Van Kranenbroek.