Dutch government proposes mandatory helmets for under-18 LEV users

Source: ETSC

The Netherlands’ national government is proposing to introduce a helmet requirement for young riders of e-bikes, speed pedelecs, fat bikes, e-scooters and other light electric vehicles (LEVs) in 2027.

The proposal, which has yet to be presented to the House of Representatives and the Senate, seeks to enforce helmet use for riders of all LEVs who are under the age of 18.

The move follows much concerned discussion in the Netherlands about the popularity of fat bikes among younger riders, and an associated increase in injuries involving them. An initial measure to target only fat bike riders with mandated helmet use has encountered numerous obstacles, with the government concluding that “it’s proving impossible to distinguish between rules for fat bikes and other e-bikes, such as electric cargo bikes.”

In addition to the helmet legislation, the government wants to take other measures to reduce the number of accidents involving electric bicycles with:

• A campaign to improve the behaviour of riders.
• Supporting the bicycle industry in developing a quality mark for electric bicycles.

The goal is to submit the proposed legislation to the House of Representatives in the autumn of 2026, and for the helmet requirement to take effect in 2027.