Cabinet proposes helmet rule for young e-bike riders
The Dutch cabinet has sent the Tweede Kamer (House of Representatives) a proposal for a helmet requirement for under-18s on fatbikes and other light electric vehicles, starting 1 September.
Why it matters: Minister Vincent Karremans (Infrastructuur en Waterstaat) said young people suffered six times as much brain injury in 2024 as in 2020. The cabinet wants to reduce the number of young e-bike riders with brain damage.
The details:
- The rule covers drivers and passengers of fatbikes, electric cargo bikes (bakfietsen), e-steps and the Segway.
- Offenders will get a fine, but the amount has not been set.
- The only exception is for vehicles with extra safety measures that make brain injury unlikely.
- The RDW (Dutch vehicle authority) will decide which vehicles qualify. BSO-bussen, used by after-school childcare, are one example.
What changes for cargo bikes: The existing rules for BSO-bussen will also apply to heavy electric cargo bikes with a large load capacity. These count as bicycles now. The minimum age for riding one rises to 18.
The big picture: Karremans presented the Aanpak fatbikes (fatbike approach) in April. It creates a separate fatbike category, which allows a minimum age and a helmet requirement. Municipalities could also set up fatbike-free zones. The next steps will be worked out shortly.
What is next: The helmet rule is meant to take effect on 1 September, when the new school year starts.