Electric bicycles, also known as e-bikes, have become extremely popular in the Netherlands in recent years. They offer a convenient and environmentally friendly means of transport, and make it possible to cover longer distances without too much physical effort. But how fast can an electric bicycle actually go? Let's take a closer look at the rules and regulations.

Types of electric bicycles

There are three main types of electric bikes: the regular electric bike (e-bike), the speed pedelec and the fat bike. Each type has its own rules and speed limits.

Regular electric bicycle (E-bike)

A regular e-bike supports the cyclist while pedaling with an electric motor. Here are the most important points to know:

• Maximum Supported Speed : The motor may support the cyclist up to a speed of 25 kilometers per hour. Above this speed, the motor support switches off automatically.
• Maximum Motor Power : The motor may have a maximum power of 250 watts.
• Driving license requirement : A driving license is not required for a regular e-bike.
• Insurance : There is no mandatory insurance for these e-bikes.

Speed ​​pedelec

A speed pedelec is a faster version of the electric bike and falls into a different category. Here are the rules for speed pedelecs:

• Maximum Supported Speed : The motor supports the cyclist up to a speed of 45 kilometers per hour.
• Maximum motor power : The motor of a speed pedelec may have a power of up to 4000 watts.
• Driving licence requirement : A moped driving licence (category AM) is required to drive a speed pedelec.
• Insurance : A speed pedelec must be insured with third-party liability insurance.

Fatbike

A fat bike is a type of bicycle with extra wide tires, designed for use on rough terrain such as snow, sand or mud. There are both electric and non-electric versions of the fat bike. Here are the rules for electric fat bikes:

• Maximum Supported Speed : An electric fat bike classified as an e-bike has the same maximum speed as a regular e-bike: 25 kilometers per hour.
• Maximum Motor Power : The motor may have a maximum power of 250 watts.
• Driving License Requirement and Insurance : As with regular e-bikes, no driving license is required and there is no mandatory insurance for electric fat bikes classified as e-bikes.