Where e-bikes and speed pedelecs can ride in the Netherlands

Look at the motor and assistance first

A standard e-bike has pedal assistance up to 25 km/h, a motor of no more than 250 W and requires the rider to pedal. The government applies those criteria to electric cargo bikes and fatbikes as well. A wide tyre alone does not determine the legal category. Source 1 Source 3

A speed pedelec is treated as a moped

The rider must be at least 16 and have an AM moped licence, approved helmet and third-party liability cover. The vehicle has a yellow number plate and the rider must carry the registration certificate. The government lists approved moped helmets and approved speed pedelec helmets as options. Source 2 Source 3

The combined path has two speed limits

The posted rules for a speed pedelec allow up to 40 km/h on a designated cycle and moped path outside built-up areas and up to 30 km/h inside them. The carriageway maximum for the vehicle class is 45 km/h. An ordinary bicycle path is outside the permitted routes for a speed pedelec. Source 2

A modified bike can fall outside the bicycle rules

A fatbike that can travel over 6 km/h on throttle alone, or can provide pedal assistance above 25 km/h, needs approval in an applicable motor vehicle category before public-road use. The government says a bike that fails to meet the rules may not be used on public roads. Source 1

Sources

• Dutch government rules for electric bicycles
• Dutch government speed pedelec rules
• RDW comparison of electric bicycles and speed pedelecs