Helmet Requirement for Electric Bikes: Everything You Need to Know

In recent years, the electric bike has become increasingly popular as a healthy and environmentally friendly mode of transportation. More and more people are choosing electric bikes as their daily means of transportation, making them an integral part of their lifestyle. According to Statista, the electric bike market in Europe grew by a staggering 373.39% between 2015 and 2023.

However, with the growing popularity of electric bikes, related accidents and risks have also increased. In this article, we discuss the helmet requirement for electric bikes and how to stay safe while enjoying the convenience of this mode of transport.

Do you need to wear a helmet on an electric bike?

In the Netherlands, there is no legal requirement to wear a helmet on a regular electric bike. However, for speed pedelecs, the faster electric bikes, wearing a helmet is mandatory.

Why is there a difference?

The reason that regular electric bikes don’t have a helmet requirement is that their design speed is often lower, usually below 25 km/h, which is comparable to the speed of traditional bicycles. The Netherlands has an extensive cycling network and strict traffic regulations that effectively ensure the safety of both regular and electric cyclists.

On the other hand, speed pedelec riders must wear a helmet because these bikes are classified as light mopeds by law due to their higher speeds, which can reach up to 45 km/h. As a result, speed pedelecs are subject to the same rules as light mopeds. With their higher speeds, the risks also increase, necessitating stricter safety measures. For sufficient protection at high speeds, riders are required to wear a special helmet that meets the NTA 8776 standard.

In Germany, there is also no general helmet requirement for all electric bikes. For e-bikes with a motor power of up to 250 watts and a maximum speed of 25 km/h, a helmet is not required. For e-bikes with a motor power exceeding 250 watts and a maximum speed of 45 km/h, wearing a helmet is mandatory.

Why do we recommend wearing a helmet on an electric bike?

Although there is no helmet requirement for regular electric bikes, we strongly recommend wearing a helmet while cycling. Some people might find it inconvenient or unnecessary. As one Dutch person put it, “We cycle like others walk. You don’t wear a helmet when you walk down the street, do you?” However, the fact is that wearing a helmet can significantly reduce the risk of head injuries in an accident, by as much as 85%, according to research.

A helmet provides an extra layer of safety. Electric bikes are generally faster than regular bikes, even at lower speeds, which increases the likelihood of serious accidents. While a helmet may not be mandatory, it remains an important measure to ensure your safety.

Wearing a helmet is not only a good safety habit, but it also shows concern for your own well-being. It is a responsible measure, both for yourself and for others. Even in areas without a helmet requirement, wearing a helmet is a highly recommended safety practice. To guarantee your safety, we recommend always wearing a helmet when riding an electric bike.

Will there be a helmet requirement for electric bikes?

It is unlikely that there will be a general helmet requirement for electric bikes in the near future. For many Dutch people, a helmet is something associated with racing bikes or mountain biking, but not with daily commuting. People believe that cycling without a helmet is already safe enough, and accident statistics support this. The Netherlands has one of the best cycling infrastructures in the world, designed with safety and convenience in mind, minimizing the likelihood of serious collisions. As a result, the Netherlands is one of the countries with the lowest bicycle accident rates in the world.

Additionally, cycling is seen as an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Regular cycling promotes health, and the government encourages this to improve public health and reduce traffic congestion. This view of cycling as a normal, healthy activity influences attitudes towards wearing a helmet. Some researchers even suggest that a helmet requirement could discourage cycling, thus negating its health benefits.

While the discussion about helmet use from a safety perspective continues, the Netherlands adopts a broader approach to cycling safety. The focus is not only on personal protective equipment but also on the environment, the behavior of road users, and societal attitudes. The Dutch cycling model demonstrates that creating safe and convenient infrastructures can promote cycling and reduce the need for helmets.

In Conclusion

Although there is no legal requirement to wear a helmet on a regular electric bike in the Netherlands, it is wise to do so for safety reasons, especially for the elderly and children. While the pros and cons of a helmet requirement for electric bikes are clear, this issue could be reassessed and adapted in the future based on actual data and current trends. To ensure your safety, we recommend always wearing a helmet while cycling, regardless of how the regulations may evolve.