Amsterdam is set to ban electric fatbikes in certain areas due to an alarming increase in serious accidents, particularly involving children. The decision follows rising concerns from road safety experts, medical professionals, and city officials about the safety of these heavy electric bicycles, which have become increasingly popular in the Netherlands.
The city’s head of transport, Melanie van der Horst, announced the ban will commence in the iconic Vondelpark, a popular area for cyclists. In her statement, she emphasized the need for “unorthodox measures” to address the growing safety issues linked to fatbikes. These vehicles, known for their thick tires and powerful motors, have been modified by many riders to reach speeds up to 25 mph, significantly exceeding the legal limit of just over 15 mph for electric assistance.
According to data from VeiligheidNL, approximately 5,000 fatbike riders require treatment in accident and emergency departments each year, with younger riders aged 12 to 15 being most frequently involved in accidents. The rising number of incidents has prompted local authorities to take action.
On the ground, reactions to the proposed ban are mixed. While many fatbike users, like Henk Hendrik Wolthers, express frustration, stating that these bikes provide a fast and efficient means of transportation, others support the initiative. Wolthers, 69, noted, “I drive a car, I ride a motorbike… This is the quickest means of transport in the city.” Conversely, resident Muriel Winkel shared her concerns about reckless riding, particularly around her dog, stating, “They often ride carelessly, without watching out.”
The issue is not confined to Amsterdam. The city of Enschede is also considering similar restrictions in response to public calls for improved safety. The growing popularity of electric bikes in the Netherlands has resulted in 48% of bicycles sold in 2024 being electric, with an additional 13% classified as fatbikes, according to RAI Vereniging and BOVAG motoring associations. In Amsterdam, cycling accounts for a third of all journeys.
Concerns about the safety of fatbikes extend beyond speed limits. Florrie de Pater, chair of the Fietsersbond Amsterdam cycling association, highlighted the fear these vehicles instill in older cyclists and parents. “Older people over 55 or 60 simply leave their bikes at home,” she said. “Parents no longer dare to let their children cycle to school.”
Medical professionals are advocating for broader measures to enhance public safety. Marcel Aries, a brain injury specialist at Maastricht University Medical Center, suggested that it is imperative for authorities to consider controversial bans and enforce regulations, including a helmet requirement for children on electric bikes set to take effect in 2027. “They are public health responses to increasingly congested streets and widening speed gaps,” he explained.
The discourse surrounding fatbikes raises important questions about urban mobility and safety. While some view the ban as a necessary step, others argue that it may not address the underlying reasons for reckless riding. Marlies Schijven, a professor of surgery at the Amsterdam University Medical Center, expressed her frustration in a widely shared LinkedIn post, stating, “The problem is much larger. We still see pain, misery and death every day at our morning meeting in the hospital.”
As Amsterdam moves forward with its plans, the conversation around fatbikes is likely to continue, reflecting a broader trend of cities grappling with the complexities of modern transportation and safety.
