Dutch Police Testing E-Bikes for Power Output

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In the Netherlands, cycling is one of the most common forms of transportation used. As a result, cycling and cyclists are much more closely scrutinized than in many first-world countries. With so many people riding bike and e-bikes, the government recognized a need to outlaw talking on a cell phone while riding, as well as riding under the influence. Riders even face speed limits.

In the Netherlands and in many European countries, e-bikes are limited to a maximum output of 250W. This is one of the reasons e-bikes with mid-drive motors are so popular in Europe—a mid-drive motor can provide more assistance than a hub motor can for a given wattage. Why mandate such a low power output? Dutch officials see it as a public safety issue. While pedelecs that go 28 mph (45kph) are available, most e-bikes are restricted to 15.5 mph (25kph). According to the Dutch government, as e-bike use has grown, so have e-bike-rider fatalities, in an equal proportion.

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For many of us human beings, though, faster is more fun and the Dutch Police have struggled to crack down on riders who have modified their e-bikes to go faster than posted speed limits. They now have a new tool in their law-enforcement arsenal, though: portable dynamometers.

The Dutch government has purchased 247 portable dynamometers that can be positioned in locations with high e-bike traffic and the police can stop riders and test their e-bike’s output. E-bikes that exceed that 250W nominal rating will earn their owners a ticket €290 ($312 USD). A second infraction will result in the same fine, but a third can result in confiscation of the e-bike.

According to the police, fat tire e-bikes have proven to be the most frequent violators of the law regarding power output. These e-bikes have become popular with young people in the Netherlands.

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