Rules for e-bikes and fatbikes in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, an e-bike or fatbike is an ordinary electric bicycle if the motor assists you up to a maximum of 25 km/h and delivers a maximum of 250 watts. You then do not need a driving licence, number plate or third-party liability insurance, a helmet is not mandatory and there is no minimum age. Source: Rijksoverheid: regels elektrische fiets, read on 3 October 2026.
Below are the rules at a glance, with the government source for each rule.
The rules in one table
| Rule | Electric bicycle (including fatbike) | Speed pedelec |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | pedal assistance up to a maximum of 25 km/h | no faster than 45 km/h |
| Driving licence | not required | moped driving licence (AM) |
| Minimum age | none | 16 years |
| Helmet | not mandatory | approved moped or speed pedelec helmet |
| Number plate | not required | yellow moped number plate |
| Third-party liability insurance | not mandatory | mandatory |
Sources: Rijksoverheid: regels elektrische fiets and Rijksoverheid: speedpedelec, read on 3 October 2026.
Speed, motor and throttle
How fast may an e-bike or fatbike go in the Netherlands?
The motor may assist you up to a maximum of 25 km/h. Source: Rijksoverheid: regels elektrische fiets, read on 3 October 2026.
How many watts may the motor of an e-bike have?
The electric motor of an electric bicycle has a maximum power of 250 watts. Source: Rijksoverheid: regels elektrische fiets, read on 3 October 2026.
May a fatbike have a throttle?
If you go faster than 6 km/h with the throttle without pedalling, the fatbike is no longer an ordinary electric bicycle. The rules for a speed pedelec, moped or light moped then apply, with a number plate. Source: Rijksoverheid: regels elektrische fiets, read on 3 October 2026.
What happens if you ride a tuned e-bike on the public road?
The police can give you a €320 fine and seize and destroy the bike. Source: Rijksoverheid: regels elektrische fiets, read on 3 October 2026.
Helmet, age, driving licence, number plate and insurance
Is a helmet mandatory on a fatbike?
No, not at the moment. As the rider of an electric bicycle, you do not have to wear a helmet. Source: Rijksoverheid: regels elektrische fiets, read on 3 October 2026.
From what age may you ride a fatbike?
There is currently no minimum age for riding an electric bicycle. Source: Rijksoverheid: regels elektrische fiets, read on 3 October 2026.
Do you need a driving licence for an e-bike?
No, you do not need a driving licence for an electric bicycle. Source: Rijksoverheid: regels elektrische fiets, read on 3 October 2026.
Does an e-bike need a number plate?
No, you do not need to apply for a number plate for an electric bicycle. Source: Rijksoverheid: regels elektrische fiets, read on 3 October 2026.
Does an e-bike have to be insured?
Third-party liability insurance is not mandatory for an electric bicycle. Source: Rijksoverheid: regels elektrische fiets, read on 3 October 2026.
Speed pedelec
What applies to a speed pedelec?
A speed pedelec may not go faster than 45 km/h. You must be at least 16 years old and have a moped driving licence (AM). An approved helmet, third-party liability insurance and a yellow moped number plate are mandatory. Source: Rijksoverheid: speedpedelec, read on 3 October 2026.
May you ride a speed pedelec on the cycle path?
No, you may not ride a speed pedelec on the cycle path. Source: Rijksoverheid: speedpedelec, read on 3 October 2026.
Plans that do not yet apply
Will there be a helmet requirement for fatbikes?
The government plans to introduce a helmet requirement on fatbikes and other e-bikes for young people up to 18. It does not apply yet: the House of Representatives and the Senate must approve it first. Sources: Rijksoverheid: regels elektrische fiets and Rijksoverheid: Aanpak Fatbikes (24 april 2026), read on 3 October 2026.
Will there be a minimum age for fatbikes?
That is the plan. The Aanpak Fatbikes (fatbike approach) of 24 April 2026 states that a minimum age for fatbikes is coming; no date has been set yet. Source: Rijksoverheid: Aanpak Fatbikes (24 april 2026), read on 3 October 2026.
Fatbikes and parts at FatbikeKlaar
View the fatbikes and the fatbike parts. Delivering a fatbike in the Netherlands costs €59. Shipping parts costs €7.95, free from €150.
This page summarises government information and is not legal advice. In case of doubt, the government text applies.
Last checked: 3 October 2026.