Fatbikes and Scooters Are a Nuisance and a Hazard, Police Warns
Concerns over fatbike and scooter safety in Groningen due to rising accidents.
Over the past two years, fatbikes have become increasingly popular in Groningen, particularly among young people. While these bikes are comfortable and fast, their ease of tuning to exceed speed limits has led to a rise in accidents. Some users, like food delivery riders, appreciate the speed, but others, especially younger riders, tend to be reckless.
Doctors at UMCG are alarmed by the rising number of accidents involving young people riding fatbikes. Many of these vehicles are tuned, and there is no helmet requirement, leading to serious head or brain injuries. Trauma doctor Bas Bens notes that children, who often ride these bikes, lack the maturity to properly assess traffic risks, resulting in severe accidents with long-term consequences. He suggests that bike dealers encourage helmet use.
Police intervention
In response to the growing concerns, police in Groningen have been conducting checks on fatbikes and scooters using roller benches to ensure compliance with the legal motor capacity of 250 Watts. Recent checks on the Hereweg resulted in several fines, with one fatbike found to have a 2000 Watt motor. Police will continue these checks to enforce the 25 km/h speed limit for electric support, with fines of €290 for violations.
Stricter rules and enforcement are seen as necessary measures to curb this trend. City officials aim to reduce car traffic and improve safety by redesigning public spaces. The plan includes reducing speed limits on many roads and considering car cut-offs to slow down traffic between districts. Despite these efforts, accidents involving bicycles, including fatbikes and e-bikes, are widespread and not limited to specific locations. Research indicates that most bicycle accidents are not from collisions with other vehicles, but ‘single’ accidents caused by the driver. This urges the need for better safety measures for cyclists.
Furthermore, the nuisance caused by cross-motorcycles and scooters is a significant issue for the police. Officers plan to intensify efforts to address this problem, particularly in the northern city districts. Residents have been encouraged to provide information on the drivers and locations where these vehicles are stored. The police emphasise that careful, informed action is preferable to risky pursuits, which can endanger both the drivers and the public.
The police urge residents to report any information about nuisance activities or locations where dirt bikes and scooters are kept. Reports can be made to the police directly, anonymously through Report Crime Anonymously, or via the municipality's reporting form. Increased community involvement is crucial for effectively tackling the issues related to fatbikes, scooters, and other two-wheelers in Groningen.