A fatbike should suit both the journeys you make and the person riding it. Look beyond appearance and purchase price. This guide helps you prepare for your purchase and know which questions to ask in the shop.
1. Start with your everyday use
Write down what you will use the bike for: short trips in Lelystad, getting to school, shopping or commuting. How far is the return journey? Where will you store the bike? Does it need to fit through a narrow doorway or be carried upstairs? These are useful questions to consider when comparing models.
In addition to a fatbike, also consider an electric city bike. Let comfort, ease of use and your route guide your choice. Appearance alone does not tell you whether a bike will be comfortable for you.
2. Check the rules before buying
Gecontroleerd op 10 oktober 2026. According to the Dutch Government a fatbike is subject to the rules for a standard electric bicycle if it meets the relevant requirements: a motor with a maximum continuous rated power of 250 watts and pedal assistance up to 25 km/h. A throttle that propels the bike faster than 6 km/h without pedalling does not comply with those rules.
A vehicle that falls outside these requirements is not automatically permitted on public roads; it may fall into a different vehicle category and require approval. Ask which configuration is being supplied and do not have the speed limiter modified.
Voor een gewone e-bike geldt op deze controledatum geen minimumleeftijd of helmplicht. De overheid beschrijft een voorgenomen helmplicht voor jongeren onder 18 jaar; dat is nog geen geldende regel. Controleer de overheidsinformatie opnieuw voordat je koopt. Een passende helm is ook zonder verplichting verstandig.
3. Assess fit and controls
Ask to see the bike and discuss whether a test ride is possible. Use this checklist:
- Can you get on and off the bike, and remain stationary, in a controlled way?
- Can you sit comfortably and reach the pedals and brake levers easily?
- Can you set off smoothly, turn and brake progressively?
- Can you park and manoeuvre the bike yourself where you will store it at home?
Buying for a young rider? Let them try the bike themselves and discuss the route, their traffic experience and responsibility for maintenance together. A model name or ‘one size’ label is no substitute for checking the fit.
4. Ask about the battery, charger and documentation
Before buying, ask exactly which battery and charger are supplied with that configuration. Request the manual, information about whether the battery is removable and the conditions under which any stated range was measured. Also ask how to order a suitable replacement charger or battery. This will help you check whether you have a suitable place to charge and store it at home.
For cold-weather use, read our guide to looking after an e-bike battery in autumn and winter.
5. Compare the full picture
Alongside the price of the bike, note the cost of any accessories you need, delivery and maintenance. Planning to insure it? Ask the insurer before buying whether the exact configuration is accepted and what requirements apply to locks and storage.
Also discuss where you can go if a fault occurs and which parts are available for the model. At FietsGenot you can request repairs and maintenance; we discuss the options, costs and scheduling based on your bike and the problem.
Neem deze vijf vragen mee naar de winkel
- Welke exacte uitvoering krijg ik en welke documentatie hoort erbij?
- Past de fiets bij mijn lengte, mijn route en mijn stallingsplek?
- Hoe is het opgegeven bereik bepaald en welke accu en lader krijg ik?
- Wat kosten fiets, benodigde accessoires en levering samen?
- Waar kan ik terecht voor onderhoud en zijn onderdelen verkrijgbaar?
Laat ontbrekende gegevens eerst aanvullen. Vergelijk twee modellen op dezelfde punten, zodat je prijsverschillen beter kunt beoordelen.
Compare new fatbikes at FietsGenot
Our fatbike range includes, among others, the V8 Pro and the GTX electric fatbike. Check the product page for the current price and availability, and ask us for any missing configuration details. This guide is not a hands-on test of these models.
Are you based in Lelystad or Almere? Contact FietsGenot or visit us at Neringpassage 74 in Lelystad. Tell us how you will use the bike, your budget and who will ride it, so we can offer more focused advice.