Enschede proposes fatbike ban in pedestrian zone during peak hours

The city of Enschede is proposing a ban on fatbikes in the city center’s pedestrian zone during peak hours. Alderman Marc Teutelink described it as “a very good proposal that can be legally defended.” While he has had the plan reviewed for legal compliance, he is unsure if it is fully feasible. Other municipalities have tried to restrict fatbikes as well, but this is challenging because the law does not differentiate between fatbikes and regular electric bicycles.

The proposed ban would be enacted through a change to the local ordinance (APV), which Teutelink says offers greater flexibility. Research indicates that fatbikes create the most disturbance. By restricting their use in specific areas and during peak hours, the alderman considers the measure “proportional.” For instance, the ban would not apply at 4 a.m., when the city center is nearly empty, he added.

Teutelink said that over 30 municipalities are monitoring Enschede’s fatbike proposal. “And more are calling in every day,” he added. Over 20 Dutch cities, including Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht, have called on the government to introduce national regulations for fatbikes, citing increasing safety concerns and public nuisance.

Several other cities are considering local fatbike bans under the APV, similar to Enschede’s approach. In Zwolle, for instance, the VVD is pushing to keep fatbikes out of crowded shopping streets over safety concerns and near-miss incidents.

The proposed rules would apply specifically to fatbikes, identified by their wide tires. Traffic law expert Rembrandt Groenewegen of legal aid provider DAS noted that some manufacturers are producing “skinnybikes” with thin tires to get around such regulations. He suggests that measures might be needed for all e-bikes. Teutelink responded that the current focus is on fatbikes, and if skinnybikes start causing problems, “we will address that at that time.”

Authorities have seen a rise in illegal fatbikes since last year, including some with modified motors. Tools like roller benches are being used to measure speed and motor power. Police and justice authorities have issued fines for thousands of fatbikes and confiscated over 10,000 bicycles for breaching e-bike regulations.

The municipal council is set to vote on the aldermen’s fatbike proposal on March 9.