Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
DUTCH TRANSPORT AUTHORITIES have seized thousands of illegal electric “fatbikes” imported from China, as the bicycle-loving country grapples with a new craze that has even prompted heated debate in parliament.
A shipment of some 16,500 illegal fatbikes – named for their broad tyres and chunky frames that resemble a low-slung motorcycle – was halted in Rotterdam, while another 1,000 were seized at a Dutch distribution centre.
Electric bicycles are limited to 25 kilometres per hour in Europe and the Dutch Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate said the seized fatbikes “could be manipulated to go faster” than the legal limit.
They also had powerful batteries and other technical specifications of mopeds, it added.
Fatbike numbers have exploded in the Netherlands since it became mandatory in January 2023 for motorised scooter riders to wear a helmet.
The move saw many switch to fatbikes, for which a helmet is not required.
But the fatbike fad – they are especially popular among teenagers — has triggered a myriad of complaints and prompted a call for new legislation aimed at restricting their use.
Apart from the humming noise made by the large tyres on the road, authorities are also concerned at the ease in bypassing software that restricts their speed to the legal limit.
The popularity of fatbikes has also spawned the import of bikes which do not have speed limiters, the batteries more powerful than allowed, and throttles that make them more like motorcycles.
The issue even lead to heated debate between the new Dutch government and lawmakers on Wednesday.
Lawmakers are calling for the introduction of a minimum age restriction of 14 years for using fatbikes and making wearing helmets compulsory.
They also want a new legal definition specifically targeting fatbikes as opposed to other electrical bicycles.
But Infrastructure Minister Barry Madlener argued against the distinction, saying fatbike “manufacturers will simply adjust to the new rules.”
A vote on the matter is expected within the next two weeks.
The rocketing popularity of fatbikes has also resulted in a rapid rise in trips to the emergency room, Dutch safety organisation Veiligheid.nl said.
Last year 59 serious incidents were reported. There were already 33 incidents reported in the first four months this year, the organisation said.
Environmental research agency Cyclomedia said in a recent survey almost half of Amsterdam residents felt at risk in traffic, with “new urban transport” such as fatbikes often blamed for unsafe situations.
‘Customers urge Ulster Bank to go f themselves and will do what they like with their money’. The audacity of it, I understand like why they wouldn’t obviously want people to, but really they can’t dictate about how or when people solve a problem they created.
Can we just remember a few months back Ulster Bank said “don’t worry, we’ll sort it for you”.
Some of the comments here, and general Irish opinions, reminds me of the frog in a pot as the water boils. Right now, there is absolutely no competition in banking in Ireland, the major banks that remain are very high cost and offer no customer service. They will slowly close more branches, cut costs and increase fees and the Irish will have no option but to pay high costs while also saying “good riddance” to their only competition. Or, even more confusingly, the Irish will say “we will use credit unions” or “the post office”, showing a total and utter lack of understanding of banking and financial acumen. This is fast going the way of a Main Street banking crisis in Ireland and it’s being supported by the people who will be most effected by it, crazy stuff.
@Local Ore: This bank has been a complete disaster for years, as others have said good riddance.
@Ballybough Marcus: What are you talking about? The bank has had no more issues that the big 2, they are pulling out because NatWest thinks there’s no money to be made in the Irish market. Ulster Bank is a subsidy of NatWest who have over €1BN in Assets. As I said, frogs in boiling water, you are bidding good riddance but don’t know the consequence – Irelands banking is now consolidated to 2 banks (PTSB is no where near the other 2) who can apply massive upward pressure, they can increase fees and lower services, exactly like the insurance companies have. Irish people should be outraged and looking for reform in the sector but instead every ordinary joe on the street is celebrating their own misfortune.
@Local Ore: you’re right it is not competitive a d there is very little option. However, much of that is down to the fact that larger multi national banks would rather focus their attention on bigger markets or bigger potential, that isn’t here right now and it’s been well publicised that it’s an issue, can’t force banks to open here and until one sees it as an opportunity more than a risk or their other options then it’s likely to continue. As for saying good riddance to Ulster Bank, they’ve closed a long time before they announced it, was impossible to do any sort of business with them. The others are bad but they’d shit up shop long before they announced it.
@This time its personable!: My town of 10,000 hasn’t had a physical bank branch of any kind in donkeys years. But the Ulster Bank App has been excellent and the times I’ve had to travel to the nearest Ulster Bank branch have always resulted in excellent customer service so I’m sorry to see it go.
@Local Ore: i know what you mean. But there is Revolut for free accessible day-to-day banking. Just can’t do loans or mortgages with them.
More bank arrogance… Good riddance to them.
Would help if you could do it online instead of visiting branches or writing letters.
What happens if you close your account and still owe personal loan and overdraft?
@paul christopher cox: The bad loans will be sold to a recovery agency. What little peace a person has from a bad loan with a bank is nothing when compared to the recovery agencies. If you’re thinking this, I would reconsider.
I wonder if the other banks will start competing for the accounts.
@Sandra Duffy: since there’s only a handful left now Sandra I wouldn’t be at all surprised if their offer was a special one off – you to pay them to join as well as the other normal charges!
@Sandra Duffy: It would be nice but it won’t happen—–They’re a cartel —just like the meat factories and the Legal system!
I could have sworn i heard people having to get accounts quickly ….could just be rumors though
All them running out of the market as there won’t be any bail outs next time things go bust..
now we are stuck with three banks that the government will support. But will leave us, the customer frustrated from lack of customer service and branches and p*ssed off with the charges and interests they will charge.
Hmmmm maybe money in the mattress is the only option here…
have your say