New studies reveal growing impact of e-bikes in the Netherlands

Sources: Nieuwsfiets, Fietsberaad

Two recent Dutch studies (one examining everyday mobility and another exploring recreational cycling) show that e-bikes are playing an increasingly significant role in both transport and leisure. While research from Delft University of Technology indicates that e-bikes are not responsible for declining physical activity among young people, a new National Knowledge Report on Recreational Cycling 2025 confirms that electric bicycles now dominate recreational riding across the country.

Firstly, a detailed analysis of data from the national “Onderweg in Nederland” survey (2018–2023) shows that total daily active minutes among Dutch residents increased modestly from 29.9 to 32.5 minutes. This rise is largely due to more walking and increased e-bike use, with traditional bicycle use showing a decline. Meanwhile it found that young people, especially those aged 15–17, are exercising less. According to researchers Maarten Kroesen and Milan Moleman of Delft University of Technology, this decline stems not from e-bike adoption but from a broader reduction in active transport. Many young people simply travel less by bicycle or on foot and more often as passengers in cars.

Notably, the analysis revealed that young e-bike riders recorded more active minutes than regular cyclists with the following information:

• Young e-cyclists average 52.3 active minutes per day, exceeding the 49.3 minutes among regular cyclists.
• They travel roughly four kilometres more per day than peers on traditional bikes.
• 78% meet the recommended exercise standard, compared with 71% of regular cyclists.

The researchers concluded that e-bikes may actually provide an opportunity to encourage physical activity among youth who currently do not travel actively at all.

E-bikes account for majority of recreational cycling

The National Knowledge Report on Recreational Cycling 2025, released by the Dutch Cycling Platform (Fietsplatform), shows that cycling remains one of the country’s most popular leisure activities. Seventy percent of residents aged 16 and above participate in recreational cycling, and e-bikes now represent the largest share of this market.

Key findings include:

• 44% of recreational cyclists primarily use an e-bike, compared with 39% on traditional bicycles.
• Dutch residents make an estimated 523 million recreational cycling trips per year, averaging 50 trips per cyclist.
• The average recreational ride covers 23 kilometres, with 87% starting from home.
• Cycling holidays remain popular, with 3.4 million cycling holidays and 1.4 million single-day cycling excursions taken in 2025.

The report also shows that nearly one-third of Dutch residents have increased their cycling activity in recent years. Their motivations include relaxation, health, outdoor enjoyment, and connection with nature and local landscapes. However, cyclists also expressed the need for safer and more comfortable cycle paths, improved management of mixed-traffic environments, and more accessible rest areas.