OK, IE is playing about here, it’s actually fat tyred bikes that are becoming uninsurable in the Netherlands – not Queen classics. Although that could also be true. No, the ANWB, the largest bicycle touring club in the country, which is famous for its love of cycling, has decided it cannot offer their club insurance on chunky tyred e-bikes. At least for the time being.
The balloon tyred e-bike is very much in fashion right now, in a market where many people have decided that their lockdown love affair with mainstream/commuter cycling is over. Plus a peculiar anomaly of Dutch cycle law regarding helmet use on light mopeds ( which can be ridden at age 14 in the Netherlands ) means that teens are turning to fat tyre e-bikes and tuning the heck out of them with beefed up electric motors to increase the top speed.
Net result? Theft, on an organised scale, because that’s what happens when demand exceeds supply.
Here’s the statement from the ANWB;
“The reasons for this are the extremely high theft rates and the trend to technically modify fat bikes. This measure is necessary to keep bicycle insurance affordable. In the coming period, the ANWB will investigate how fat bikes can still be insured in a responsible manner in the future. Existing customers will be notified by when the current insurance will be terminated.
The number of fat bikes insured with the ANWB has grown rapidly since the introduction of compulsory helmets for light mopeds. The bicycle with fat tires is a good alternative for many people. The flip side of the popularity is great susceptibility to theft. In some parts of the Netherlands, the risk of theft is so great that it is not a question of if, but when your fat bike will be stolen.
Reaction Floor van Workum, CEO ANWB Insurance:
“We regret having to make this decision. At the moment, however, we have no other choice. Fat bike theft rates are sky-high and we are forced to make this decision to keep bicycle insurance affordable for everyone.
The theft problem is not limited to fat bikes. To prevent us from having to make these kinds of decisions more often in the future, we as ANWB have taken the initiative for an industry-wide system approach to bicycle theft. In this, stakeholders work together on several fronts at the same time on solutions for registration, data exchange and security.”
The ANWB added;
“In addition, many fat bikes are modified after sale, for example by adding a throttle, tuning up the fat bike or both. This increases the risk of damage and unsafe traffic situations. By adding a throttle or stepping up, these bikes get the characteristics of a light moped and they are not allowed on public roads without a license plate. Accidents involving such motor vehicles are not insured through the driver’s liability insurance and can therefore have a major financial impact.”
IE COMMENT; INSURERS NEED TO BALANCE SECURITY STANDARDS WITH COVER
The reality of bicycle theft in the Netherlands is shocking; some 500,000 bikes are stolen every year, according to the Dutch Cyclists Union. It isn’t that bad in the UK, but it is organised and often student areas are targeted where expensive bikes can be found chained to posts or railings with £20 corner shop locks. One minute with an agle grinder or lump hammer and goodbye bike.
As an industry insurers could campaign for expensive bicycles (above £1500) to come with security markings on all key components from new. Security marking plus CCTV and dedicated Police officers has worked well in Cambridgeshire, according to local media.
There also needs to be more pro-active thinking on e-bike storage and security on city streets, if these bikes are really going to become a mainstream urban transport option – weather permitting. Having electric bicycles dumped on pavements is actually creating a new set of trip and fall risks, potentially leaving Councils and their insurers liable for class action claims at some future date.
The UK still has some small areas of underused space in towns and cities. Instead of rewilding (in other words neglecting) these small areas, Councils could build e-scooter/bike storage and hire facilities. There is no reason to block roads and pavements with cycle storage units, except out of spite. In the same way that parcel delivery companies have set up collection lockers near shops, petrol stations and pubs, some creative thinking is required on e-bike hire and usage.
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