Helmets set to be compulsory for under-18s on e-bikes

The Council of Ministers has agreed to send its draft helmet requirement for young people up to 18 to parliament for scrutiny before it is finalised (a voorhang), on a proposal by Infrastructure and Water Management Minister Vincent Karremans. The aim is for it to take effect at the start of next school year, on 1 September 2027.

Why it matters

• Under-18s would have to wear a helmet on electric bikes and light electric vehicles: fatbikes, electric cargo bikes, e-steps and the Segway.
• The rule would cover passengers too, so children on the back of an e-bike or in a regular electric cargo bike would need a helmet.
• The minimum age for drivers of heavy electric cargo bikes, such as those used in childcare, would rise from 16 to 18.

The measure is meant to curb a sharp rise in brain injuries among young e-bike riders. Karremans said: “In 2024, young people suffered six times as much brain injury as in 2020. Those are serious figures. After a serious accident you sometimes carry the consequences for the rest of your life. Making helmets compulsory reduces the risk of serious injury in a targeted way.”

An exception becomes possible for vehicles where extra safety measures make brain injury unlikely. The RDW, the vehicle licensing agency, will test and designate them. Out-of-school care (BSO) buses used by childcare are one example.

The rules for BSO buses will also apply to heavy electric cargo bikes used in childcare. These have so far counted as bicycles. Ordinary cargo bikes that parents use to take children to school are not covered by this change.

Karremans has also announced a separate category for fatbikes, which would allow a minimum age and fatbike-free zones. Details of the fatbike approach (Aanpak Fatbikes) are due shortly.