Amsterdam prepares to ‘ban the fatbikes’ amid rise in serious accidents
Experts say souped-up e-bikes pose big risk for children aged from 12 to 15, who account for many A&E cases
TL;DR
- Electric fatbikes are being banned in some Dutch locations due to a significant increase in accidents, particularly involving children.
- Safety experts and medical professionals report thousands of fatbike-related injuries treated in emergency departments each year.
- Many fatbikes are modified to exceed legal speed limits, contributing to dangerous riding behavior.
- Amsterdam's transport chief plans to ban fatbikes from city parks, a move supported by some residents but opposed by others.
- The problem is exacerbated by a lack of enforcement and the ease with which these bikes can be made to resemble mopeds.
- Concerns exist that the safety issues surrounding fatbikes will spread to other countries as active mobility gains political interest.