Tag Archive: Netherlands

  1. Decathlon and Laka continue partnership as the bicycle insurer of choice for Decathlon Netherlands 

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    • Insurance disruptor Laka extends its partnership with the French sports brand Decathlon.
    • Laka insurance is now available for all Decathlon customers in The Netherlands.
    • The partnership enables customers to insure their bikes easily, with a quote for the monthly insurance cost calculated based on the value of the bike. 

    Laka, the award-winning European Insurtech that offers a unique insurance model to cyclists and businesses, has extended its partnership with Decathlon. After a successful launch with Decathlon’s Connected E-Bikes in 2022, launching in multiple countries, the launch in The Netherlands marks the extension of a successful partnership having already launched with Decathlon UK in 2023. 

    Now the selected bicycle insurer for Decathlon Netherlands, Laka is available in all 21 stores and across all Decathlon e-commerce channels in the country. Decathlon selected Laka for its unique collective insurance model, with fair and transparent pricing. 

    In Laka’s model, customers only pay for the actual monthly claims within the collective, based on the value of their bike. Laka’s exceptional customer service, fast claims handling, and comprehensive coverage make them the ideal partner for bike insurance. This flexible option is perfectly suited for road bike enthusiasts who own a Van Rijsel or for those taking their e-bike on holiday, delivering top-tier protection for racing and travelling.

    Laka already offers exclusive coverage for connected e-bikes in the Netherlands, integrated within the Decathlon connected app.This coverage includes GPS tracking and recovery features for insured bikes. Laka enables Decathlon to close the loop on insurance, by recovering stolen bikes and either getting them back to the customer or enabling Decathlon to resell the recovered bikes as part of their Second Life-Program, supporting part of Laka’s ESG strategy to get stolen bikes back on the road. Laka is continually looking at unique services to offer in addition to insurance and supporting manufacturers and retailers to provide next-level customer experience. 

    On the Decathlon partnership, Tobias Taupitz, Laka CEO said, “It’s great to see further commitment from Decathlon on the importance of customer-first insurance. we are excited to see the partnership evolve with additional territories already on the roadmap.”

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    About Laka 

    Laka, winner of the ‘Best Cycle Insurance Provider’ Award six years in a row, has challenged outdated traditional insurance to provide customers and businesses’ with a fairer, collective-driven approach to insurance. Laka customers pay no upfront premiums, and are instead charged based on the cost of claims submitted by the collective the previous month. Fewer claims result in lower charges. Laka customers work together as a collective and share the cost of claims. Laka handles all claims, divides the cost fairly and limits each customer’s maximum monthly spend with a cap based on the value of the equipment insured by each individual member. Laka members fully benefit from lower costs but are also protected if there are a high volume of claims in any given month.

    For further information about Laka, visit Laka https://laka.co/nl/ 

  2. Subsidy for electric scooters: opportunity for low-income earners and the two-wheeler sector

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    Source: Tweewieler

    The government of the Netherlands has launched a new subsidy program aimed at encouraging low-income individuals to switch from gas-powered mopeds and scooters to electric versions. This initiative is expected to benefit companies in the two-wheeler industry, as the allocated funds are estimated to help sell around 3,500 electric models.

    An initial €10 million had already been set aside for local governments under the Specific Grant Clean Air Agreement (SpUk SLA), designed to support the implementation of clean air initiatives. An additional €7 million is available for the remainder of this year and 2025. This funding aims to help financially strapped individuals replace their polluting vehicles with electric ones. Municipalities will design their own trade-in schemes and offer them to low-income residents, with the condition that old mopeds or scooters are scrapped at certified facilities. In return, participants receive up to €1,200 in credit toward a new or second-hand electric scooter, with the government covering two-thirds of the cost and the municipality covering the rest. Municipalities set their own income criteria, and so far, about fifteen municipalities interested in the program have expressed interest, with more able to register until the end of September. The funds will then be distributed based on population size and other factors.

    Addressing Mobility Poverty

    “Through the trade-in scheme, approximately 3,500 electric mopeds and scooters will enter the market, which is great for the sector,” said Martijn van Eikenhorst, the section manager for scooters at RAI Vereniging, who was involved in the program’s development. He noted that mobility poverty is emerging, as more zero-emission zones are created and not everyone can afford to adapt. The initiative ensures that those with limited financial means can also transition to sustainable mobility. “In the Netherlands, we offer various mobility options, and we must preserve this freedom of choice,” he added.

    Creating a Blueprint

    Van Eikenhorst emphasized the importance of having a structured approach for municipalities implementing the scheme. “We are working on models to make it easier to deliver e-scooters to people without upfront payments and to manage the recycling of old vehicles efficiently. Every municipality shouldn’t have to start from scratch and face similar challenges.” The city of Arnhem, for example, has shown interest in the program, building on its prior experience with local trade-in schemes that offer additional support to low-income residents.

    Local Business Impact

    XXL Scooters in Arnhem, a company benefiting from the local exchange program, reports that the early problems with implementation are fading. Entrepreneur René Tolhuisen said the voucher system allows low-income residents to obtain electric vehicles without needing upfront payments. “We receive daily requests for trade-ins, and every day we collect mopeds for demolition,” he noted. Tolhuisen’s team offers electric scooters starting at €999, meaning those with local subsidies like the Gelrepas don’t need to pay anything out of pocket.

    Tolhuisen played a key role in raising awareness of the scheme among local businesses, calling on fellow entrepreneurs to participate. This resulted in more drop-off points and increased sales of electric scooters. He expects the national program to complement Arnhem’s local subsidy in the near future.

    Opportunities for Other Businesses

    Armando Muis of La Souris, a business with locations in various cities, views the new subsidy program as an opportunity to boost both sustainability and sales. He plans to take a more proactive approach to the upcoming scheme, especially given its potential for creating confusion across different municipalities. Muis is particularly interested in ensuring transparency regarding which areas participate in the program and how full the subsidy pot remains.

    He has instructed his marketing team to track participating municipalities and tailor online campaigns accordingly. “About 80 percent of our customers come to us through online promotions,” Muis said, noting that their most affordable electric scooter is priced at €999, making it possible to offer it for free through the subsidy.

    Challenges for Municipalities

    While there is enthusiasm for the new program, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management has stated that it is unlikely a central platform will be created to track participating municipalities. Each municipality is responsible for announcing its own involvement. Currently, applications are being processed by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, but no decisions have been finalized. BOVAG has been actively communicating about the subsidy’s potential benefits for entrepreneurs, and it hopes that municipalities will take the lead in informing local businesses about their participation. “If you set up a subsidy like this, you want it to be used effectively,” said BOVAG spokesperson Stijn Oosterhoff. “It shouldn’t turn into a confusing patchwork.”

  3. Dutch national rail allows scooters and prohibits recumbent bicycles and tandems

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    Passenger railway operator Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) has followed advice from Locov, a group of consumer organizations which represent the interests of train passengers, to enact policy changes.

    Source: Fietsberaad CROW

    Following advice from Locov, the NS has changed its plans on a few points to regulate the conditions under which travellers are allowed to take a bicycle or folding bicycle on the train. Scooters and e-scooters are allowed on the train as hand luggage and there will be more clarity about where folding bicycles should be placed. As planned, NS will ban recumbent bicycles and tandems from the train.

    In April, the Dutch Railways requested advice from the National Consultation on Consumer Interests in Public Transport (Locov) about the proposed adjustments to the general conditions of carriage for taking a bicycle or folding bicycle on the train. Following this advice, NS has decided to cancel the proposed ban on Segways – partly because the Segway is a brand name and is no longer produced – and to allow scooters and e-scooters if they meet the conditions for hand luggage. NS is also making it clearer where a folding bicycle may be placed on the train. For example, this should not block the walkway or a seat and should be placed in a luggage area where possible. The intended maximum height of 80 cm for folding bicycles will be maintained. Finally, the extension of the period in the summer during which bicycles are not allowed on the intercity to Brussels has been cancelled. In 2024, this period will be limited to July and August.

    NS does not accept the advice to continue allowing tandems and recumbent bicycles on the train. The argument for this is that the available bicycle spaces in a number of train types are too small for this type of bicycle, which means there is less room for other bicycles and the longer bicycles can block the passage. There will still be room on the train for tricycles that are used as aids, but in a place with priority for wheelchairs and therefore not in a bicycle space.

    NS’s full response can be read via the Locov website.

  4. Over half of Dutch people ride an e-bike, survey shows

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    Source: Nieuwsfiets

    Recent study reveals that 54% of Dutch people ride an electric bicycle

    Various insights into the behaviour and attitudes of Dutch cyclists are available in the results of research commissioned by Netherlands-based e-bike refurbishers Upway.

    The online survey, conducted by research agency iVOX between May 8 and May 17, 2024, gathered answers to a range of questions from 2,000 Dutch people on a variety of cycling-related topics. A number of insights can be gleaned from the results:

    Age: 61% of people over the age of 55 choose an e-bike, while for those under 35 the figure is 51%.

    Ownership and frequency: 54% of Dutch people currently use an e-bike, with 39% doing so at least weekly.

    Stated preferences for e-bikes: 32% of respondents cite ease of use; 20% answered ‘Because it gets me to my destination faster’; 25% answered ‘because I can cover greater distances with it’.

    Cargo bike usage: Of those surveyed, 7% rode an electric cargo bike, and 4% rode a non-electric version. Riders of electric cargo bikes cited two notable reasons for their use: 22% said ‘Because it is economically more advantageous than a car’, while 19% said ‘Because it is so easy to use’.

    Cycling infrastructure: Overall, the respondents are generally positive towards the cycling-friendliness and layout of roads in their area, with 77% reporting a positive opinion, though cargo bike users are a little more critical with 61% having a positive opinion.

    Feelings of safety: 94% of e-bike riders reported feeling safer than average in traffic, while 57% of these said they feel safer on an electric bike than on a traditional bike. In contrast, 80% of traditional-cycle riders felt safest on a non-electric bike.

    Risk-taking behaviour: Only 10% of Dutch people say they always wear a helmet when cycling. 36% of e-bike riders ignore a red light – more often than non-electric bike riders. Dangerous situations involving electric bicycle users involve excessive speed (31%), inattention (15%) or lack of control (13%), while tradtional bike riders sometimes create dangerous situations by violating traffic rules (21%), inattention (28%) or cycling where it is not allowed (11%).

  5. Netherlands e-bike insurance market increases to €621 million

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    Source: Nieuwsfiets

    The recent E-bike Monitor survey conducted by Multiscope reveals that the Dutch market for e-bike insurance rose by €71 million in 2023, among other highlights.

    The study interviewed 5,554 respondents aged 18 and over, representative of the Dutch population. It found that most e-bike owners (62%) insure their bike, and that owners of electric hybrid models are the most likely to take out insurance, with 67% of these bicycles insured.

    The report details the insurance costs for e-bikes, averaging out at €14 per month. Insurance of an e-fat bike is highest at €23 per month, while owners of electric city bike models pay € 14 per month. In total, the Dutch e-bike insurance market was €621 million in 2023 – an increase of €71 million compared to 2022.

    It was found that 50% of the insurance was taken out online, and that the risk of theft is one of the reasons for insurance; 6% of electric bicycle owners reported having had their e-bike stolen at least once. 

  6. Green light for scooter scheme: important for affordable mobility in urban areas

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    The Royal RAI Association welcomes the announced pilot for a subsidy program for electric mopeds and scooters. This new scheme offers low-income people a helping hand in the transition to zero emissions and ensures that they retain access to mobility. “This scheme is therefore essential for moped and light moped riders with a small wallet, especially where environmental zones are emerging,” says Martijn van Eikenhorst – Scooters section manager at the association and also chairman of Scooter Recycling Netherlands.

    Source: RAI

    Pilot subsidy scheme for electrification

    An amount of 3.5 million euros has been made available for the electrification of mopeds and mopeds for 2024 and the same amount for 2025. Municipalities can apply for money from this scheme to grant subsidies to minimum wage earners, with each municipality applying its own policy. Residents can then receive a subsidy for the purchase of an electric moped or moped. With this budget, it is estimated that more than 3,500 petrol scooters can be replaced with emission-free ones. The pilot scheme will open this summer, and the government will also start a promotional campaign for electric mopeds and scooters.

    Combating mobility poverty and offering freedom of choice

    This new subsidy scheme encourages municipalities to accelerate the electrification of scooters and mopeds. Municipalities often combine a scrappage scheme with subsidy offers for older scooters and mopeds, for example from before 2018, with the establishment of environmental zones. RAI Association attaches great importance to affordability and freedom of choice, especially for road users with limited financial capacity. They have often been riding their beloved moped or moped for years. Through this scheme they should be given the opportunity to purchase a new, comparable, but now electric vehicle. “Keep in mind that people want to choose a vehicle that suits them,” Van Eikenhorst emphasizes. “The moped and moped are then ideal for medium-long distances, commuting or a safe feeling in traffic late in the evening.”

    It’s the consumer and the government’s turn

    The manufacturers and importers of scooters and mopeds have taken the lead in electrification. The climate agreement expresses the ambition to only sell electric mopeds by 2025. Since then, and even before the government came up with concrete policy, electric mopeds and mopeds have taken off. By offering electric mobility early, the sector has already made significant progress. Of the mopeds registered in 2024, 50% are electric and the counter for electric mopeds reaches 32%. “The industry has taken its steps. It is now up to the consumer to choose electric. The government can now help with this with its policy.”

    Role of industry in the sustainable future

    RAI Association has actively contributed to setting up this pilot and welcomes its introduction by the cabinet. The association looks forward to further collaboration to accelerate the transition to emission-free mobility to realize a sustainable future, in which mobility not only remains accessible and affordable, but also contributes to a cleaner and healthier living environment. “RAI Association and Scooter Recycling Netherlands are discussion partners in various municipalities and cities regarding demolition schemes, environmental and zero-emission zones.” In response to the new subsidy scheme, Martijn van Eikenhorst, on behalf of the RAI Association, invites municipalities to get in touch about their sustainable ambitions.

    Read the letter to Parliament about making mopeds and light mopeds more sustainable here.

  7. The Netherlands saw 270 cycling deaths in 2023

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    Source: Fietsberaad

    In 2023, there were 270 fatalities among cyclists in traffic, which is 20 fewer than the previous year. Similar to last year, at least 40% of these individuals were riding e-bikes, as revealed by the annual report released by Statistics Netherlands on April 10. The total number of traffic-related deaths reached 684.

    For the fourth consecutive year, cyclist fatalities (270) outnumbered those of passenger car occupants (194). Between 2019 and 2023, a total of 1,199 cyclists lost their lives in traffic incidents. Among these, 42% were the result of collisions with passenger cars or vans, while 10 percent occurred after collisions with trucks or buses. Additionally, 32% were attributed to single-vehicle accidents. Notably, for cyclists aged 75 and above, 38% of fatalities were due to single-vehicle accidents.

    Despite an overall decrease of 61 road fatalities compared to 2022, the total figure remains higher than the period between 2010 and 2021.

  8. Multiscope E-bike Monitor: The latest updates in the e-bike, e-scooter and LEV market

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    Source: Multiscope

    Multiscope has launched the fourth edition of its E-bike Monitor, a comprehensive study focusing on electric bicycles, electric scooters, and other light electric vehicles (LEVs) within the Netherlands. This report offers insights into various aspects of the market, encompassing providers, insurance, maintenance, usage patterns, and user satisfaction levels.

    What can you expect?

    The study delves into the market landscape, addressing over 50 pertinent research inquiries. Key questions explored include the size of the Dutch market for e-bikes, e-scooters, and LEVs, expenditure trends on these vehicles, market expansion dynamics, and average prices for both new and used units. Additionally, the report identifies major providers and insurers, along with user satisfaction levels for different service providers.

    The E-bike Monitor holds relevance for all Dutch organizations and businesses directly or indirectly associated with e-bikes, e-scooters, and LEVs. This encompasses roles in development, sales, consultation, maintenance, and insurance services related to these products.

    The report covers numerous providers such as Amslod, Batavus, Cortina, Cube, Flyer, Gazelle, Giant, Koga, Sparta, Stella, Trek, and Vogue Bike, as well as insurers like Allianz, ANWB, Centraal Beheer, ENRA, FBTO, Interpolis, Kingpolis, Unigarant, and Univé.

    For further information, please see the website, table of contents, and brand list.

    Key findings

    • Ownership of e-bikes, e-scooters, and LEVs is stagnating
    • There’s a difference between online and offline purchase prices
    • Used city bikes are significantly cheaper
    • There are different market leaders in online and offline insurance

  9. Amsterdam grants temporary speed limit increase for cyclists

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    Source: Fietsberaad

    From April 18, fast cyclists in Amsterdam will have the opportunity to utilise a designated section of roadway spanning 500 meters for a duration of three months. This trial will occur along Eerste Constantijn Huijgensstraat and Bilderdijkstraat. The suggested speed limit on the cycle path remains at 20 kilometres per hour, while those desiring a quicker pace can opt for the lane.

    The trial stems from the winning entry of the Amsterdam Bike City Innovation Lab in 2022. Conceived by visual artist Wichert van Engelen, the idea proposes three distinct speed limits: 10 km/h for sidewalks, 20 km/h for cycle paths, and 30 km/h for roads, applicable to all modes of transportation. This initiative aims to mitigate different speeds on the cycle path.

    The municipal authorities, in collaboration with the Amsterdam Transport Region, selected the Eerste Constantijn Huijgensstraat and Bilderdijkstraat area for its high volume of bicycle traffic and the presence of a narrow cycle path segregated from the road. With overtaking proving challenging on this path due to increasing speed disparities, this choice becomes imperative.

    Melanie van der Horst, the traffic councillor, states “I hear more and more Amsterdam residents, young and old, who no longer dare to cycle in the city. I don’t want that to happen. We have previously successfully moved moped riders to the road, making the cycle path quieter. But due to the rapid rise of various electric bicycles, it is now more necessary to make room on the cycle path for people who drive slower.“

    Until July 19, cyclists exceeding the 20 kilometres per hour threshold will have access to the road, where the maximum speed limit is set at 30 kilometres per hour. The designated test zone between Overtoom and Kinkerstraat will be clearly delineated. Throughout the trial period, the municipality will monitor cyclist behaviour on the road, assess the interaction between car and bicycle traffic, and evaluate the impact on cycle path congestion. Road users will have the opportunity to provide feedback through an online questionnaire, and the municipality will conduct on-site interviews with cyclists. The results are expected at the end of this year.

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