Dutch government proposes mandatory helmets for e-bike riders under 18
The Dutch government has announced a formal proposal to mandate helmet use for all electric bicycle riders under the age of 18. This legislative move follows growing public and political pressure to address the rising number of injuries involving so-called “fat bikes”, electric bikes with heavy frames and wide tyres that are often modified to ride without pedal assistance and at speeds exceeding the e-bike limit of 25 km/h – effectively becoming illegal motorcycles.
A key concern for the government is the severity of incidents; statistics show that traumatic brain injuries among young e-bike riders have been rapidly increasing.
Initially, the Tweede Kamer (House of Representatives) requested a targeted ban or helmet mandate specifically for “fatbikes”. However, the Ministry concluded that a specific legal definition for fatbikes would not be workable. Consequently, the government has opted for a broader requirement based on the rider’s age rather than the specific model of the bicycle.
The proposal is currently in the legislative drafting phase following a formal letter of intent sent to Parliament in late 2025.