Tag Archive: fat bikes

  1. The Netherlands’ House of Representatives seeks to legislate for electric fat-bike riders

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    Source: NieuwsFiets.nu

    The House of Representatives of the Netherlands recently passed several motions aimed at addressing the issues posed by fat bikes and enhancing the safety of young e-bikers.

    Key measures include setting a minimum age of 14 for riders and mandating helmet use for fat bikes. These decisions contradict the advice of Minister Barry Madlener, who had cautioned against such motions due to concerns over their legal viability.

    Despite Madlener’s previous hesitations, the House is urging him to consider the proposed age limit and helmet requirement for fat bikes. A motion put forth by parties VVD and NSC to explore these regulations received majority support, and it is anticipated that the Senate will also back these initiatives. Madlener’s primary concern lies in the legal differentiation between fat bikes and other types of e-bikes. He worries that manufacturers might alter their designs to evade compliance with the new regulations, resulting in a “cat-and-mouse game” that complicates the establishment of specific rules for fat bikes.

    It remains uncertain whether the minister will heed the House’s requests. Previously, he stated that creating a legal distinction was impractical and suggested implementing uniform regulations for all electric bicycles. However, the House of Representatives rejected this approach.

    Additionally, the House has approved a motion empowering the police to verify whether fat bikes are properly registered by accessing their electronic systems, which would aid in enforcing the new regulations.

    Here’s how the House of Representatives cast their votes:

    1. Motion NSC/CDA (Olger van Dijk/Vedder) proposed that the government explore the feasibility of implementing a type approval system for all electric bicycles equipped with pedal assistance, potentially establishing a quality mark. This motion was APPROVED by the House of Representatives.

    2. Motion VVD/NSC (Veltman/Olger van Dijk) called for the government to set a minimum age of 14 years and mandate helmet use specifically for fat bikes, with a request to update the House of Representatives on this matter before the Christmas break. This motion was APPROVED by the House of Representatives.

    3. Motion VVD/CDA (Veltman/Vedder) sought to empower the police to access the menu of fat bikes during inspections, enabling them to identify violations and impose penalties on the spot. This motion was APPROVED by the House of Representatives.

    4. Motion GL/PvdA & D66 (de Hoop/Bamenga) urged the government to assess the possibility of extending a registration requirement to all motorized road traffic, including e-bikes, fat bikes, and other current or future vehicles on public roads. This motion was REJECTED by the House of Representatives.

    5. Motion BBB (van der Plas) requested the government to explore the potential use of geofencing in the Netherlands to enhance road safety in public areas. This motion was APPROVED by the House of Representatives.

  2. ILT aims to put an end to the sale of non-compliant fat bikes through authorised trade channels.

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    THE HAGUE – The Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) has confiscated over 16,500 fat bikes and is now aiming to halt their sale through official retail channels.

    Source: NieuwsFiets

    These illegal mopeds originate from various Chinese manufacturers, and the ILT has successfully blocked their import at the port of Rotterdam. Additionally, around 1,000 uninspected mopeds were seized from a Dutch distributor’s warehouses.

    This action is part of an ongoing investigation that the ILT has been conducting since July. Once the investigation concludes, the case will be handed over to the Public Prosecutor’s office. Consumers often mistakenly believe they are purchasing e-bikes, when in reality, they are acquiring mopeds.

    The Inspectorate cautions that an unapproved moped cannot simply be transformed into a legal electric bicycle through a software update or a button press. “The fat bikes that exceed speed limits typically possess a motor that is too powerful and other moped-like features. Their performance is artificially restricted, leading consumers to think they are buying an electric bicycle, when it is actually a moped (fat bike),” the ILT stated in a press release. Sellers or users can easily alter the fat bike’s settings using a code or an app, allowing speeds to soar between 35 to 45 km/h. “The frame, brakes, and tires are not designed or tested for such high speeds,” the ILT warns. “This creates hazardous situations with a significant risk of accidents and injuries.”

    Bicycle or Moped?

    A fat bike doesn’t fall into a distinct legal category; it merely describes a two-wheeled vehicle with certain external features, such as wide tires. Often, it’s challenging to distinguish between an electric bicycle and a moped just by looking at it. The classification of the vehicle hinges on its technical specifications.

    There are specific legal requirements for mopeds, including type approval, license plates, third-party insurance, and the necessity for a helmet and a driver’s license for those aged 16 and older. The ILT points out a common issue: “A fat bike marketed as an electric bike may actually qualify as a moped based on its technical specs and performance.”

    If a fat bike exceeds speeds of 25 km/h, it is classified as a moped. This can happen if the user or provider modifies the bike to surpass that speed, such as by entering a code in a menu, which allows the pedal assistance to continue beyond 25 km/h. Additionally, if the vehicle has a power output exceeding 250 watts, it also falls into the moped category.

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