Dutch regulations on electric bicycles

As a globally renowned 'kingdom of bicycles', the Netherlands has strict and detailed regulations on the management of electric bicycles, covering multiple dimensions such as vehicle standards, riding rules, safety equipment, and road permissions. The following is a summary of specific regulations:

1、 Vehicle Technical Standards

1. Speed and power limits
   • Maximum speed: The pedal assist speed limit for electric bicycles is 25 kilometers per hour, and the motor power must not exceed 250 watts.
   • Speed limit: Some cities (such as Amsterdam) further limit speed through "intelligent speed adaptation systems", such as reducing the maximum speed from 50 kilometers per hour to 30 kilometers per hour.
2. Vehicle classification
   • Electric bicycle (E-bike): It must comply with the EU EPAC standard, mainly with pedal assistance, and pure electric drive is prohibited.
   • Light electric vehicles, such as electric scooters, are required to register and hang license plates from July 1, 2025.

2、 Rider Qualifications and Equipment

1. age limit
   • Drivers of electric bicycles must be at least 16 years old, and those under the age of 16 are prohibited from riding.
2. Safety equipment
   • Helmet: Although not mandatory, it is recommended to use a specialized helmet that meets the Dutch NTA-8776 standard to cope with impact risks at higher speeds.
   • Headlights: Front and rear lights must be equipped (white/yellow headlights, red rear lights), and a fine of 60 euros will be imposed for not turning on the headlights during nighttime cycling.
   • Reflective device: Vehicles must be equipped with reflective mirrors, otherwise a fine of 40 euros will be imposed.

3、 Cycling rules and road usage

1. traffic rules
   • Prohibited behaviors: Do not hold a mobile phone while cycling, ride under the influence of alcohol (fine of 200 euros for blood alcohol concentration exceeding 0.54 milligrams/milliliter), or drive in the opposite direction.
   • Turn signal: Turn left and extend left hand, turn right and extend right hand. Failure to signal will result in a fine of 40 euros.
   • Overtaking rules: Overtaking must be done from the left side, and a penalty of 110 euros will be imposed for overtaking on the right side.
2. Road permissions
   • Dedicated lanes: Electric bicycles must use motor vehicle lanes or dedicated lanes, and are prohibited from driving in bicycle lanes (Amsterdam has completely banned it).
   • Pedestrian and bus lanes: It is strictly prohibited to enter pedestrian or bus lanes, and a fine of 60 euros will be imposed for violations.

4、 Vehicle Management and Insurance

1. License and Registration
   • Traditional electric bicycles currently do not require registration, but light electric vehicles (such as electric scooters) need to register and hang their license plates from July 1, 2025.
2. Insurance requirements
   • Theft insurance: Due to the high theft rate of electric bicycles, the insurance company requires the car lock to meet the standard and introduces a deductible (such as ANWB requiring payment of 5% of the purchase price as a deductible).
   • Third party liability insurance: Although there is no mandatory legal requirement, it is recommended to purchase it to cover potential accident compensation.

5、 Violation punishment

• Speeding: The fine amount depends on the severity of the situation, and in some cities, speeding fines can reach up to 200 euros.
• Equipment violations: A fine of 60 euros will be imposed for malfunctioning car lights, brake failures, etc., and a fine of 110 euros will be imposed for steering system failures.
• Refusal to undergo alcohol testing is a criminal offense and may face higher penalties in addition to fines.

6、 Special Policy Developments

• Intelligent speed limit system: Amsterdam and other cities are piloting the "Intelligent Speed Adaptation System" to restrict speeding vehicles through GPS.
• Theft prevention and control: Insurance companies collaborate with the police to promote GPS tracking devices and reduce the risk of vehicle theft.

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