The municipality of The Hague sent a letter via the schools this week to parents of school children to warn them about the dangers of fat bikes among young people. Many fat bikes do not meet the legal requirements. In the letter, the municipality therefore asks for attention for the unsafe nature of these popular electric bikes and the risks they entail.
“Road safety is a shared responsibility. As alderman I want to emphasize that the safety of our children comes first. It is important that parents are aware of the dangers of fatbikes, not only for the child, but also when it comes to the financial consequences,” says alderman Arjen Kapteijns, alderman for mobility. “The financial risks are often underestimated. When a young person has an accident with a tuned fatbike, they are not insured. So it can really entail enormous costs.”
Legal requirements
Many fat bikes do not meet the legal requirements. A fat bike is considered an electric bike and may not drive faster than 25 kilometers per hour. Fat bikes that are tuned, have a throttle or a motor of more than 250 Watts are prohibited on public roads.
Fine up to €310
Riding such a prohibited fatbike can lead to a fine of 310 euros. In addition, the police can confiscate the fatbike, without the possibility of return. Because these fatbikes cannot be insured, parents are responsible for all costs in the event of an accident, even if the accident is not their child’s fault.
From 1 January to 23 September 2024, more than 800 fines were issued in The Hague for tuned electric bicycles (including fatbikes) and unapproved scooters.
Children between 10 and 14 years extra vulnerable
Children and young people often do not realize how dangerous a tuned fat bike can be. Research shows that children between the ages of 10 and 14 are particularly vulnerable. Fat bikes that go faster than 25 kilometers per hour have a longer braking distance, which increases the chance of accidents. The brakes on these fat bikes are not suitable for the tuned speed.
Together towards a traffic-safe The Hague
The municipality therefore calls on parents to be alert and to work together on a traffic-safe The Hague. The advice is to only let children ride a fatbike from the age of 16 and to ensure that the bike meets the legal requirements. Regularly check whether the fatbike has not been tuned or modified.
More information
- More information about the electric bicycle on the website of the Dutch government
Image: https://unsplash.com/photos/a-bicycle-parked-on-the-side-of-a-road-at-night-EgJ0jb8yCow
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