More than 20 Dutch cities urge government to regulate fatbikes as safety concerns mount
More than 20 Dutch municipalities, including Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Utrecht, are calling on the national government to introduce specific regulations for fatbikes after reporting increasing safety and nuisance concerns, a survey by NU.nl shows. Since issuing a joint letter to the Infrastructure Minister in 2023, local officials say the problem has only worsened.
Although some cities—such as Enschede—have considered banning fatbikes outright, most municipal authorities agree this is legally complex because fatbikes are classified as e-bikes under current law. “After a ban, manufacturers could make minor adjustments and continue marketing them,” explained an Amsterdam spokesperson, who described it as “absurd” that cities must find their own solutions.
Local councils have instead focused on public education. Delft officials “regret” the lack of a national response and are running awareness campaigns targeting young riders and their parents. Utrecht authorities report fatbikes reaching speeds above 25 mph (40 km/h) on crowded cycle paths, while Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht warns of riders cutting corners and using sidewalks.
The Infrastructure Minister has not yet introduced new rules. Although the House of Representatives supports a helmet requirement and a minimum age of 14 for fatbike riders, the minister awaits the results of a third independent study—commissioned to explore regulatory distinctions based on weight and motor power—due at month’s end. Meanwhile, a parliamentary debate on fatbike regulations is scheduled for Sept. 4.
