Amsterdam cracks down on 'dangerous' electric fatbikes

The city of Amsterdam plans to ban electric bicycles known as “fatbikes” from the city’s central park, saying the vehicles popular with the city's youth and with food delivery couriers have become a hazard.

The move reflects friction around the rapid rise of e-bikes in one of the world’s most famous cycling cities, where more than half of the city’s 800,000 residents use a bicycle daily.

Fatbikes are the chopper motorcycles of electric bicycles, featuring big batteries, thick tires and heavy frames. They are desired for their style, their ability to carry passengers, and because they go fast without much pedaling. Critics say they are being driven recklessly on crowded bike paths and parks, particularly souped-up low rider models.

“We see a lot of fat bikes going more than 50 or 60 kilometers an hour. Well, they are only supposed to go 25 kph, so it's very dangerous,” said Alderwoman Melanie van der Horst, who proposed the ban. The introduction date is not yet decided.

Supporters of fatbikes argue pleaded for tolerance in a city famed for its laissez-faire attitude toward sex and drugs.

Alex Manuputty, riding a flashy orange fatbike made by "Stoer" (Dutch for "Tough") in the park, said there is always resistance to new things.

"There need to be rules and then all cultures - all people -- can actually get along," Manuputty said.

Of bicycles sold in the Netherlands in 2024, 48% were electric, and another 13% were fatbikes, according to vehicle association RAI.

In October, Dutch hospitals found that people injured on fatbikes needed extra medical treatment at rates 70% higher than riders of conventional bicycles. About half of fatbike accidents involved children aged 12-15.

Production: Stuart Acker Holt, Yiming Woo/Reuters