Survey finds 83% back helmet requirement for young e-bike riders
Most Dutch citizens support a helmet requirement for young electric bicycle riders, a survey by EenVandaag found. Among nearly 26,000 respondents, 83 percent backed the plan, which the government is considering to reduce accidents.
Parents of underage e-bike riders largely agree, with 61 percent in favor. Opposition stems mainly from concerns about overregulation, doubts that children will actually wear helmets, and worries about fines.
One parent wrote: “Medically, it’s very sensible. I’m not a completely neglectful mother. I just don’t think it changes anything for other road users, and that’s where the biggest frustration lies.”
Research by VeiligheidNL last year showed that older e-bike riders also frequently cause accidents. Among all adult electric bike users, 53 percent oppose a helmet mandate, citing personal responsibility and overregulation. Resistance has decreased since 2023, when 63 percent opposed it.
