Cycling in Amsterdam - rules, parking, theft and e-bikes

• Use the bike path (fietspad) or bike lane on the right-hand side of the road where there is one. Do not cycle on pavements, in pedestrian shopping streets or on motorways.
• Follow traffic lights and signs, including the separate lights for cyclists at many junctions.
• Signal before turning by holding out your hand.
• Lights after dark. Front and rear lights are required by law after dark.
• Phone ban. You may not hold a phone or other electronic device while cycling. Hands-free calls, a phone in a fixed holder for navigation, and music at a volume that lets you hear traffic are allowed. When you stop, you may use your phone.
• Alcohol. The same limit applies as for drivers: no more than 0.5 per mille blood alcohol, and no drugs or medicines that affect your ability to ride.
• Riding side by side. Do not ride more than two abreast, and pull over if you need to check a map.
• Tram rails. Cross them at a sharp angle so your wheel does not get stuck.

Fines for traffic offences are set nationally. The Public Prosecution Service's Boetebase lists current amounts by offence; every fine adds €9 in administration costs.

• Electric bike (elektrische fiets, e-bike). Pedal assistance up to 25 km/h and a motor of at most 250 watts. The same rules apply as for a normal bike: no licence, no registration plate, no compulsory insurance and no helmet requirement, although a helmet is recommended.
• Fatbike. A fatbike is treated as an e-bike only if it meets the same limits. If it has a throttle that moves it faster than 6 km/h without pedalling, or assistance above 25 km/h, it must be approved as a moped or speed pedelec; otherwise it may not be used on public roads, and according to the national government you are then not insured if you have an accident. Ask the seller for written confirmation of the specifications.
• Speed pedelec. An e-bike that assists up to 45 km/h counts as a moped: it needs a moped registration plate and the rider needs a moped licence. Speed limits are 45 km/h on the carriageway, 40 km/h on combined bike/moped paths outside built-up areas and 30 km/h on such paths inside built-up areas.
• Planned helmet rule. The government plans a helmet requirement in 2027 for riders under 18 on fatbikes, e-bikes and other light electric vehicles. In October 2026 this was still a proposal awaiting parliament.

Park only in bike racks, marked bike parking areas or an indoor bike garage (fietsenstalling). Bikes left outside these areas, broken bikes, and bikes left too long can be removed by the City. Maximum parking times differ by location; according to I amsterdam, some garages allow two weeks and others up to six. The City's bike parking map shows the locations.

Always lock your bike, ideally with a second lock attaching the frame to a fixed object such as a rack.

Removed bikes go to the City's bike depot (Fietsdepot). Call the City on 14 020 during office hours to check whether your bike is there. According to I amsterdam (2025), collecting it cost €25, and home delivery was available for about €40. You need ID and the key to your lock. Check the City's current fees before you go.

Bike theft is common. If your bike is stolen, report it to the police: only reported bikes enter the national stolen bicycles register (fietsdiefstalregister), which bike depots, dealers and the police use to identify stolen bikes and return them to owners, and insurers usually require a report.

When buying a second-hand bike, search the frame number in the RDW's stolen bicycles register first, and be wary of very cheap bikes offered on the street or online without proof of ownership. Dealing in stolen goods (heling) is a criminal offence, and the police actively look for it.

• Bike shops, second-hand dealers and monthly bike subscription services all operate in Amsterdam; compare prices and what is included in repairs and theft cover.
• Avoid the busiest times (around 8:00 to 9:00 and 17:00 to 18:00) for your first rides if you are not used to city traffic.
• On the metro and tram 26 you may take your bike outside rush hours with a bike supplement ticket; see public transport in Amsterdam.
• Check whether your liability insurance (aansprakelijkheidsverzekering) covers damage you cause while cycling; it is not compulsory for bikes and e-bikes, but many residents have it.