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.