Most parents want mandatory helmets on e-bikes, but teens disagree

Roughly 80 percent of parents support the implementation of a national law that would require minors to wear a helmet when riding an e-bike, including fatbikes. Only about half of young people aged 12 to 18 agree with the measure.

That said, around 60 percent of them intent to comply with the law if they are required to protect their heads on the devices from next year. As such, Infrastructure and Water Management Minister Robert Tieman found concludes that there is “sufficient support” for introducing mandatory helmet use.

The Tweede Kamer, the lower house of Parliament, has long advocated for the new helmet rule. The data Tieman cited was from research his ministry commissioned, with the report sent to the Tweede Kamer on Tuesday.

E-bike manufacturers have argued that such a law will prompt young people to switch to even riskier modes of transportation, like mopeds and scooters. That assumption appears to be unfounded.

Most respondents indicated they would continue to use their e-bikes. If they do choose another option, it’s more likely to be a regular bicycle or public transport.