Are fatbikes going to be banned?

Are Fatbikes Being Banned? Fatbikes are becoming increasingly popular in the Netherlands. Because many new fatbike users are joining, it is important to clearly outline the rules. What is a Fatbike? A fatbike is an electric bike with thick tires. The characteristics of this type of bike are that it may go up to 25 km/h and have a maximum 250 Watt motor. Non-legal Fatbikes If your fatbike has a throttle or goes faster than 25 km/h, it must be classified as a moped, speed pedelec, or light moped. These vehicles are subject to different rules than a fatbike. Insurance If you cause an accident with an illegal fatbike, you are not insured for damage to the fatbike or any medical costs. It is therefore crucial to ensure your fatbike meets all European safety standards and insurance requirements, especially if you want to use it on public roads. Rules in the Netherlands In the Netherlands, the same traffic rules apply to an electric bike as to a regular bike. For example, you do not need a driver's license. On an electric bike, you must pedal yourself to move forward. An electric bike may have pedal assistance up to a speed of 25 kilometers per hour. Fatbike Rules Overview The same rules apply to the use of an electric bike as to a regular bike.

• 1: You do not need a driver's license to operate a fatbike.
• 2: You do not need a license plate for a fatbike.
• 3: Wearing a helmet is not mandatory.
• 4: It is not mandatory to insure your fatbike with liability insurance!
• 5: There is no minimum age to operate a fatbike.
• 6: The fatbike may go up to a maximum of 25 km/h and you must pedal along. A throttle or higher speed is therefore not allowed!
• 7: The fatbike may have a maximum motor power of 250 Watts; a higher wattage motor is not allowed!
• 8: A fatbike may only be ridden on the bike path or moped path and not on the highway!
• 9: It is mandatory to pay close attention while riding a fatbike! It is not allowed to operate a mobile phone or other electronic devices while riding a fatbike! This is only permitted when you are stationary or using the "handsfree" mode.
• 10: Only ride completely sober! It is forbidden to ride a fatbike with more than 2 glasses of alcohol in your system. The use of drugs or other intoxicating substances (medications) is also prohibited while riding a fatbike.

Source www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/fiets