The child fatbike has caused quite a stir over the past month. Will the vehicle really come?
The fatbike has caused controversy from the beginning. With its wide tires and often present electric motor, the bike is not only powerful, but can reach speeds of up to 25 kilometers per hour. This makes it adventurous, but at the same time a source of accidents. Now the controversy only seems to be increasing, as a children’s fatbike is coming.
E-bike manufacturer Ouxi has announced a new fatbike specifically for children aged 10 to 14. However, there are many critical voices about this idea, and it remains to be seen whether the children’s fatbike will actually come. We go over the main objections with you.
Ouxi’s controversial children’s fatbike
The new kids’ fatbike will be named Cooryda C80 Pro Mini. It has the same look as the adult version, but one size smaller with 16-inch wheels and a lower frame. You can buy it soon in baby blue or pink. With a top speed of 25 kilometers per hour, it has a price tag of about 900 euros.
Not everyone is happy with the introduction of the children’s fatbike. Veilig Verkeer Nederland (VVN) is voicing strong criticism. According to VVN spokesperson Ingrid Wetser, 10-year-old children lack the skills and brain development to safely participate in traffic at higher speeds. The organization points out that these bikes carry serious risks.
The fatbike for the little ones (Image: Ouxi)
VVN’s criticism is supported by figures from the national measurement week, in which 82 emergency services recorded accidents involving cyclists. Of the 1291 victims, 96 were riding fatbikes. Remarkably, half of these victims were under the age of 16. These statistics reinforce concerns about child fatbike use and its potential impact on road safety.
There are currently no specific rules for fatbikes. Anyone may ride them, a driver’s license is not required and wearing a helmet is not mandatory. This may change, however, as new legislation is being discussed in the House of Representatives, including a helmet requirement and an age limit of 14 years for using fatbikes.
Is the manufacturer cheating?
Interestingly, manufacturer Ouxi correctly states that the children’s fatbike is heart safe. In European regulations, an electric bike with a maximum speed of 25 kilometers per hour and a motor of up to 250 watts is considered a normal e-bike. As a result, there are no specific requirements such as helmet requirement, minimum age or driver’s license.
With this, it seems Ouxi is playing a clever game. “This is simply circumventing the rules,” stated D66 party chairman Rob Jetten in Goedemorgen Nederland on NPO 1. The Lower House is calling for stricter rules, including a minimum age of 14 to ride a fatbike. They also want to introduce a helmet requirement for electric bikes with wide tires, to improve road safety.
Whether the children’s fatbike will actually come about remains uncertain. For now, the bike is not yet for sale and criticism continues. One thing is certain: the debate about fatbikes in traffic is far from over.
