Since the new speed limit of 30 km/h was introduced in Amsterdam, it is quite possible that cars are overtaken by cyclists on the left and right. The infamous fat bikes in particular seem to have a hand in this. According to the Amsterdam municipal council, electric bicycles cause dangerous traffic situations. The municipality has found a solution for this.
In more than half of the total number of traffic accidents in Amsterdam that required an ambulance on the scene in 2022, the victim was on a bicycle. This makes cyclists the most vulnerable group of road users in the capital. That is why the municipality is looking for solutions to slow down cyclists. For example, the Municipality of Amsterdam is investigating whether it is possible to introduce a maximum speed on the cycle paths. “That will take quite some time,” the municipality predicts.
A limiter for electric bicycles
In addition, a way to limit e-bikes at a distance is being tested. To this end, the municipality works together with Townmaking Institute and Odido. The first company has developed special technology that allows the speed of electric bicycles to be limited remotely. In certain places the pedal assistance will automatically disappear above a certain speed. This limiter can be adjusted remotely if necessary.
The question remains how the municipality will get a device on e-bikes. The municipality writes: 'We hear you thinking: keep your fire away from my electric bicycle. You don't have to worry about that. It is not the case that you download a new software update for your electric bicycle and Big Brother suddenly determines how fast you can go.' Moreover, the software would only work on the latest bicycles.
There still needs to be a law for the limiter
In addition to testing the technology and determining how you are allowed to drive in different places in the city, the municipality must also receive approval from the European Commission for the introduction of the limiter. It will therefore take some time before fat bikes actually get a limiter in Amsterdam.
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