Minister Madlener (Infrastructure and Water Management) maintains his position against creating separate regulations for fatbikes, calling it a “futile path” in a letter to parliament. This goes against the wishes of the House of Representatives, which passed a motion last year by VVD and NSC to categorize fatbikes separately in order to impose additional requirements like a helmet mandate or a minimum age of 14.
Madlener argues that manufacturers can easily circumvent such rules by making bikes with slightly narrower tires, thus falling outside the fatbike category. Instead, he emphasizes stricter enforcement, citing an increase in fines for illegally modified vehicles from over 600 in 2023 to more than 4800 in 2024.
Madlener also plans to improve inspection of bicycles and is working on banning hardware and software that hinders checks. The ministry is exploring the use of ‘geoforcing’ to restrict pedal assistance in designated areas.
NSC finds Madlener’s refusal to implement the motion “incomprehensible,” highlighting the need for more significant measures to protect young riders.
Source: NOS