Ban on electric bikes for those under 12 to promote physical fitness, experts say
Health experts and cycling groups in the Netherlands are calling for a ban on the use of electric bicycles for children under the age of 12, warning that the increasing reliance of children on these bikes reduces their physical activity and increases the risk of accidents. This proposal has received support from Fietsersbond (the Dutch Cyclists' Union) and several sports medicine specialists.
Martin Cornelisse, from the Cycling & Health expert committee, stated to AD newspaper that "the number of children using electric bikes and fat bikes is increasing rapidly, which is concerning." He added: "Dutch teenagers are not active enough; only 42% of those aged 12 to 17 adhere to the health council's guidelines of one hour of physical activity per day." Currently, there is no minimum age for using electric bikes in the Netherlands.
Preliminary results from a study conducted by the University of Twente and Gelderse Vallei Hospital showed that riding an electric bike requires 50% less effort compared to a regular bike. Sports doctors described these results as "catastrophic," emphasizing that physical activity at an early age is essential for strengthening muscles and developing movement and coordination skills, and is also the foundation for a healthy life in the future.
As concerns about traffic safety increase, data from the organization VeiligheidNL has shown that in 2024, around 500 children aged between 12 and 17 needed medical care in hospitals after being involved in electric bike accidents. Experts confirm that the combination of high speed, lack of experience, and crowded roads poses a significant risk to children.
The Fietsersbond union supports imposing a minimum age of 12 years for the use of electric bicycles. Its president, Esther van Garderen, said: "It is a logical measure and can be easily implemented by linking it to an ID card." However, she rejected the idea of raising the minimum age to 16 years, pointing out that it would harm children living in rural areas who need to travel long distances daily.
The spokesperson for the interim Minister of Infrastructure, Robert Tiemann, confirmed that Parliament will be briefed on the details of the issue in December, indicating that the government is seriously considering taking steps to address the growing concerns regarding the health and safety of children using electric bicycles.