Amsterdam, Netherlands– A sharp increase in serious accidents involving fat bikes has prompted calls for stricter regulations and safetymeasures, according to the Dutch safety organization VeiligheidNL.
Data released by VeiligheidNL reveals a significant spike in fat bike-related injuriesrequiring hospital treatment between April and June. During this period, 115 individuals were admitted to emergency rooms (SEH) after fat bike accidents, compared tojust 25 in the first months of the year and 75 for the entirety of 2023.
Alarmingly, almost half of the victims were young people aged 12 to 15,with a staggering 24% of this group sustaining brain injuries. This figure is double the rate of brain injuries associated with regular bicycle accidents, based on data from 14 SEH departments.
VeiligheidNL emphasizes thatthese figures likely represent only a fraction of the actual number of fat bike accidents, as not all hospitals provided data and not all bicycle accidents recorded the type of bicycle involved.
In response to the alarming trend, VeiligheidNL is advocating for a minimum age of 16 for fat bike use, a stricter measurethan the proposed age limit of 14 currently being debated in the Tweede Kamer, the Dutch Parliament’s lower house.
The knowledge center for brain injuries also supports a minimum age of 16, advocating for its implementation across all e-bikes, not just fat bikes. This not only promotes clarity of enforcement butalso protects the majority of one of the most prominent and young risk groups, the organization stated.
Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management Barry Madlener agrees that there should be no distinction between fat bikes and other electric bicycles, echoing the Tweede Kamer’s proposal. He believes manufacturers should adapt fat bikes by, for example,replacing thick tires with smaller ones and installing adjustable saddles.
The Tweede Kamer is scheduled to vote on Tuesday on the motion to implement an age limit of 14 and up and a mandatory helmet requirement for fat bikes.
The surge in fat bike accidents underscores the need for comprehensive safety measures and regulations to protect vulnerableusers, particularly young people. As fat bikes continue to gain popularity, it is crucial to address the inherent risks associated with these powerful vehicles and ensure the safety of all riders.
Views: 0