Why the Netherlands Is an E-Biker's Paradise

With 22 million bicycles for 17 million inhabitants and over 32,000 kilometers of dedicated cycle paths, the Netherlands stands unrivaled as the world's premier cycling destination. This flat, compact country offers an intricate network of well-maintained bike routes that connect picturesque villages, historic cities, and breathtaking landscapes, making it the perfect playground for e-bike enthusiasts.

The Dutch cycling infrastructure is nothing short of extraordinary, featuring dedicated cycle lanes, bicycle-specific traffic signals, and thoughtfully designed intersections that prioritize cyclist safety. Dutch cities have redesigned intersections with clear signage, advanced stop lights, and dedicated signal phases that create an environment where riders can safely navigate intersections.

What makes the Netherlands particularly appealing for e-bike travel is the combination of flat terrain (ideal for maximizing battery range) and the respect afforded to cyclists throughout the country. Plus, with the growing network of "bicycle highways" connecting major cities, e-bikers can enjoy swift, uninterrupted journeys through some of Europe's most charming landscapes.

Planning Your Dutch E-Bike Adventure: When to Visit

Spring (April-May): Tulip Season

Spring transforms the Netherlands into a kaleidoscope of colors, with millions of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths painting the countryside in vibrant hues. The tulip fields around Keukenhof in the Bollenstreek region offer perhaps the most iconic cycling experience in the Netherlands.

The tulip season runs from March 20 to May 11, 2025, with the Tulip Route offering a 15-kilometer cycling path through the most spectacular flower displays around Keukenhof in Lisse. This route combines two Keukenhof cycle paths (blue and purple) and guides you past not only tulip fields but also historical locations like Keukenhof Castle.

For e-bikers, spring offers comfortable temperatures (10-17°C/50-63°F) and moderate crowds outside of the major attractions. The extended range of an e-bike allows you to explore multiple flower regions in a single day, something that would be challenging on a conventional bicycle.

Summer (June-August): Coastal Explorations

Summer invites exploration of the Netherlands' 300-kilometer coastline with its broad beaches and picturesque dunes. The Dutch coast features dedicated cycling paths that run nearly the entire length of the shoreline, offering refreshing sea breezes and spectacular views.

The coastal route from The Hague to Zandvoort takes you through the stunning dune landscapes of Zuid-Kennemerland National Park, with abundant wildlife and pristine nature. Your e-bike's assist will prove invaluable when navigating the rolling dune terrain—the rare hills in this famously flat country.

Summer temperatures typically range from 20-25°C (68-77°F), perfect for combining cycling with beach stops for swimming and relaxation. The longer daylight hours (until nearly 10 PM in June) allow for extended evening rides with beautiful golden light.

Autumn (September-October): Cultural Routes

As summer crowds disperse, autumn offers a peaceful time to explore the Netherlands' cultural treasures by e-bike. The weather remains mild (12-18°C/54-64°F) through early October, with gorgeous fall colors enhancing the countryside.

This season is ideal for city-hopping between Amsterdam, Utrecht, and smaller cultural gems like Delft or Leiden. Many cities offer specific urban cycling routes that connect major museums and historical sites, with Amsterdam alone boasting nearly 400 kilometers of dedicated bike paths.

The reduced tourist numbers mean less crowded cycling paths and more opportunities to interact with locals, who continue cycling regardless of the season.

Winter (November-March): Urban Exploration

While winter cycling might seem challenging, the Netherlands rarely experiences extreme cold, with temperatures typically ranging from 2-8°C (36-46°F). Dutch cyclists continue riding year-round, and as an e-biker, you'll have an advantage over conventional cyclists when facing winter headwinds.

This season is perfect for exploring the vibrant urban centers, with their museums, cafés, and cultural offerings. Many Dutch cities transform into magical destinations during December, with festive markets and light festivals that can be delightfully experienced by bike.

An e-bike's assistance proves particularly valuable during winter, allowing you to reach your destinations without working up a sweat—meaning you can arrive at museums and restaurants comfortably despite the cooler temperatures.

Top E-Bike Routes for Every Interest

1. The Tulip Route (15 km, Easy)

The signature cycling experience in the Netherlands is undoubtedly the Tulip Route, which can be cycled from March 20 to May 11, 2025. This 15-kilometer route takes you past the most beautiful tulip fields around Keukenhof.

The route is well-marked and can be started from various points, with Keukenhof itself being the most popular starting location. E-bike rentals are readily available at the park entrance, but booking in advance is highly recommended during peak tulip season.

Don't miss a stop at De Tulperij tulip farm, where you can walk through show gardens featuring various spring flowers and learn about the cultivation process. The Tulip Route can be completed in about an hour of cycling, but plan for at least half a day with stops for photography and farm visits.

Explore the interactive Tulip Route map →

2. Amsterdam to Rotterdam Urban Adventure (80 km, Moderate)

This route connects two of the Netherlands' most dynamic cities, contrasting Amsterdam's historic charm with Rotterdam's bold modern architecture. The journey takes you through the Green Heart (Groene Hart) region, with its pastoral landscapes of meadows, small villages, and waterways.

A highlight of this route is Kinderdijk, home to the largest concentration of historic windmills in the Netherlands. These iconic structures were actively used until 1950 and now serve as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

This route is easily completed in a day with an e-bike, and numerous charging points are available along the way. In Rotterdam, don't miss the opportunity to explore the city's innovative cycling infrastructure, including the famous Luchtsingel pedestrian and cycle bridge.

Download the Amsterdam-Rotterdam GPX route →

3. Veluwe National Park Circuit (60 km, Challenging)

For nature enthusiasts, the Veluwe National Park offers a rare hilly challenge in the Netherlands. As the country's largest national park, it features diverse landscapes of forests, heathlands, and sand drifts that are a dramatic departure from the typical Dutch scenery.

The Hoge Veluwe National Park covers approximately 55 km² and features a mix of heathland, sand, and woodland areas. Cycling through the park, you'll pass the famous Kröller Müller museum with its impressive collection of Van Gogh paintings and sculpture garden.

This route is more challenging due to its undulating terrain, but an e-bike makes it accessible to riders of varying fitness levels. The park offers free white bicycles for visitors, but these are not electric—bringing your own e-bike or renting one nearby is recommended for this circuit.

Learn more about cycling in the Veluwe →

4. North Sea Coastal Route (Variable Length, Easy to Moderate)

The LF1 North Sea Coastal Route runs the entire length of the Dutch coast, from the Wadden Islands in the north to Zeeland in the south. This well-marked route follows the dunes and passes through charming coastal towns and nature reserves.

The western coastline of the Netherlands stretches 300 kilometers and features a unique landscape of sand and dunes, with beaches lined by smooth, wind-blown dunes and dotted with seaside resort villages and lighthouses.

E-bikers can tackle this route in sections, with popular segments including The Hague to Zandvoort (30 km) and Bergen to Den Helder (25 km). The coastal winds can be challenging, but your e-bike's assistance makes this route enjoyable regardless of wind direction.

Explore the North Sea Route segments →

5. Historic Hanseatic Cities Route (120 km, Moderate)

This multi-day route connects the beautiful Hanseatic cities of eastern Netherlands—Doesburg, Zutphen, and Deventer—which once formed part of a powerful medieval trading network. The route offers a perfect blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty.

The Hanseatic towns ride combines small historical towns with the best of Dutch national parks, passing through a variety of historically significant locations including museums such as the renowned Kröller Müller museum and the Airborne museum.

This route is ideal for history enthusiasts, with each city offering well-preserved medieval centers, museums, and atmospheric cafés. The distance between cities makes this perfect for e-biking, allowing you to cover significant ground while still having energy to explore each destination.

Download our Hanseatic Cities itinerary →

E-Bike Rental Options and Practicalities

Where to Rent E-Bikes in Major Cities

Amsterdam

Amsterdam offers numerous rental options throughout the city, with the highest concentration around Central Station, Leidseplein, and major hotels. While it's not possible to rent bikes spontaneously on the street, physical rental shops are conveniently located throughout the city.

Popular rental companies include:

• MacBike: With 5 rental stations in central Amsterdam, MacBike offers various e-bike models. Daily rates for e-bikes are approximately €28, with a €50 deposit required.
• Black Bikes: Known for their sleek, all-black e-bikes that blend in with local bicycles, Black Bikes has 12 locations throughout Amsterdam.
• A-Bike: Located near Central Station, A-Bike offers competitive rates for longer rental periods.

For multi-day rentals, reservations are highly recommended, especially during the peak tourist season (April-September).

Rotterdam

Rotterdam offers high-class road bike and e-bike rentals with delivery options to your location in Rotterdam or elsewhere in the Netherlands. Most rentals require booking at least 3 days in advance, with a minimum rental period of 4 days.

Rental companies in Rotterdam typically offer more performance-oriented e-bikes than in Amsterdam, catering to longer-distance rides. Many rentals include accessories such as panniers, GPS units, and repair kits, making them suitable for multi-day tours.

Rental Costs and What's Included

E-bike rental prices in the Netherlands typically range from €25-45 per day, with discounts available for multi-day rentals. Most rental packages include:

• Helmet (though wearing one is not mandatory in the Netherlands)
• Lock (essential, as bike theft can be common in urban areas)
• Basic repair kit and pump
• Saddle bags or baskets for small items
• Insurance against theft or damage (usually with an excess/deductible)

Higher-end rentals may also include:

• GPS navigation units pre-loaded with popular routes
• Additional waterproof panniers
• Mobile charging solutions for your devices
• Roadside assistance services

E-Bike Subsidies for Longer Stays

If you're planning an extended stay in the Netherlands, you might benefit from the country's e-bike subsidy programs. The Dutch government and various organizations offer e-bike subsidy programs as part of efforts to involve citizens in pursuing a carbon-free environment.

These subsidies typically apply to residents rather than short-term visitors, but some options are worth exploring for longer stays:

• Company Bicycle Scheme: If you're working temporarily in the Netherlands, ask your employer about this program.
• Work-Related Costs Scheme: Offers tax advantages for commuters using e-bikes.
• Bicycle Kilometer Allowance: Provides a tax-free allowance of €0.23 per kilometer commuted to work by bike.

Visit our guide to Dutch e-bike subsidies for more detailed information.

Navigating Like a Local: Dutch Cycling Infrastructure

Understanding the Junction Network System

The Netherlands has pioneered an intuitive navigation system for cyclists called the "knooppuntennetwerk" (junction network). The cycling routes in the Netherlands are connected in a nationwide network, and the junctions have signposts with numbers, making it easy to navigate without constantly checking your phone.

Here's how it works:

1. At each numbered junction, signposts indicate the direction and distance to neighboring junctions
2. Plan your route by noting the sequence of junction numbers you need to follow
3. Navigate from one numbered point to the next, following the signs

This system allows for flexible route planning and makes it nearly impossible to get lost, even without digital navigation. Many e-bike rental companies provide lists of popular junction routes for various interests.

Cycling Etiquette and Rules

To cycle safely and respectfully in the Netherlands, follow these essential guidelines:

• Stay in designated lanes: Always use the bicycle lanes (fietspaden), marked by red asphalt and bicycle symbols.
• Signal turns: Extend your arm in the direction you plan to turn.
• Respect traffic signals: Cyclists must obey their dedicated traffic lights at intersections.
• Use lights at night: Front (white) and rear (red) lights are legally required after dark.
• Lock your bike: Always secure your bike when parking, preferably to a fixed object.
• Watch for tram tracks: Cross them at as close to a 90-degree angle as possible to avoid getting your wheel caught.

Locals find nothing more irritating than a poor cyclist, so it's important to follow both the written and unwritten rules of the road. Stay in your lane, follow traffic signs, signal before turning, and watch out for tram rails.

E-Bike Charging Infrastructure

The Netherlands has embraced e-mobility, resulting in an excellent charging infrastructure for e-bikes. Many cafés, restaurants, and tourist attractions offer charging points, often free to use while you visit.

Additionally, a network of dedicated e-bike charging stations has been developed in recent years, particularly along popular long-distance routes. These stations typically offer:

• Multiple charging points compatible with major e-bike battery systems
• Secure locking facilities while charging
• Often located near cafés or rest areas

Download the Fietsoplaadpunten app (available in English) to locate charging points throughout the country.

Must-Visit Destinations for E-Bikers

Innovative Cycling Infrastructure Tours

The Netherlands continues to push boundaries with cycling infrastructure innovations. As a global leader in cycling infrastructure, the Netherlands implements innovative projects to create safer and more efficient cycling networks, including artistic paths like the Van Gogh-Roosegaarde Cycle Path in Nuenen.

Other notable infrastructure achievements include:

• The Hovenring suspended bicycle roundabout in Eindhoven
• Utrecht's massive underground bicycle parking facility at Central Station
• Amsterdam's floating bicycle parking platforms
• Rotterdam's futuristic cycle paths with solar-powered illumination

Cultural Heritage Routes

The compact nature of the Netherlands means you can experience remarkable cultural diversity within short cycling distances. Some standout cultural routes include:

• Rembrandt Route: Connecting Leiden (his birthplace) with Amsterdam, where he created his masterpieces
• Dutch Golden Age Circuit: Linking the historic cities of Haarlem, Delft, and Amsterdam
• Water Management Heritage Route: Exploring the ingenious Dutch water management systems, including the iconic windmills at Kinderdijk

E-bikes are particularly valuable for cultural routes, as they allow you to cover more historical sites in a day without arriving exhausted at museums and cultural attractions.

Culinary Cycling Experiences

Combine cycling with Dutch culinary discoveries on these gastronomic routes:

• Gouda Cheese Route: Cycle from Gouda to surrounding dairy farms, with cheese-tasting opportunities along the way
• Zeeland Seafood Circuit: Explore the coastal province of Zeeland, stopping at villages known for exceptional seafood
• Orchard Routes of Limburg: In the southernmost province, cycle through fruit orchards with seasonal tastings

Many restaurants and farms offer special facilities for cyclists, including secure bike parking, charging points, and cyclist-friendly menus with energy-boosting options.

Practical Tips for Your Dutch E-Bike Adventure

Weather Considerations and Gear

The Netherlands has a temperate maritime climate with mild summers and moderate winters. Rain is possible year-round, so waterproof gear is essential regardless of when you visit.

Essential gear for Dutch e-bike adventures includes:

• Waterproof panniers or bike bags
• Lightweight, packable rain jacket
• Cycling gloves (padded for summer, insulated for spring/autumn/winter)
• Layers that can be added or removed as conditions change
• Portable battery pack for charging your phone while navigating

Remember that wind can be a significant factor in this flat country. While your e-bike will help counter headwinds, planning routes with prevailing wind patterns in mind can make for more enjoyable riding.

Combining E-Biking with Public Transport

The Netherlands offers excellent integration between cycling and public transportation, allowing you to extend your range or adjust plans if weather deteriorates.

You can take your bicycle on Dutch trains if there is a designated space for bikes, though this requires a separate ticket and is restricted during peak hours (7:00-9:00 and 16:00-18:30) on weekdays.

Many e-bike rental companies offer one-way rental options between major cities, allowing you to cycle one direction and return by train. This is particularly popular for the Amsterdam-Utrecht-Rotterdam corridor.

Safety and Security Tips

While the Netherlands is generally very safe for cyclists, take these precautions to ensure a trouble-free experience:

• Always lock your e-bike: Use the provided locks and secure your bike to a fixed object when possible
• Remove the battery: Take your e-bike's battery with you when parking for extended periods
• Register your rental: Keep rental documentation handy in case you're asked about the bike
• Use designated parking: In cities, use official bicycle parking facilities rather than crowded sidewalks
• Be visible: Use lights after dark and in poor visibility conditions

Many rental companies offer tracking apps or devices for their e-bikes, providing additional security and peace of mind.

Planning Your Perfect Dutch E-Bike Itinerary

Weekend E-Bike Escapes

For a short visit, these weekend itineraries offer concentrated Dutch experiences:

Amsterdam and Waterland (2 days)

• Day 1: Amsterdam city exploration (30 km)
• Day 2: Waterland villages north of Amsterdam (40 km)

Rotterdam and Kinderdijk (2 days)

• Day 1: Rotterdam architectural highlights (25 km)
• Day 2: Journey to Kinderdijk windmills and back (45 km)

Utrecht and Castle Route (2 days)

• Day 1: Utrecht city and surroundings (20 km)
• Day 2: Castle route through Utrecht province (50 km)

Week-Long Adventures

With a week to explore, consider these comprehensive itineraries:

Classic Holland Circuit (7 days)

• Amsterdam → Haarlem → Leiden → Delft → Rotterdam → Gouda → Utrecht → Amsterdam

Northern Discovery Route (7 days)

• Groningen → Wadden Coast → Frisian Lakes → Giethoorn → Zwolle → Deventer → Utrecht

Southern Exploration (7 days)

• Maastricht → Valkenburg → Roermond → Den Bosch → Breda → Dordrecht → Rotterdam

Each of these week-long routes covers 40-60 km per day, comfortably achievable with an e-bike while allowing plenty of time for sightseeing and relaxation.

Conclusion: Embracing the Dutch Cycling Culture

Exploring the Netherlands by e-bike offers an authentic immersion into Dutch culture, where cycling is not merely transportation but a way of life. Cycling has become a symbol of Dutch culture, representing independence, self-control, modesty, and stability; it's presented as a national symbol and a very patriotic means of transportation.

As you glide past windmills, through historic city centers, and along flower-lined country roads, you'll experience the Netherlands at the perfect pace—fast enough to cover substantial ground, yet slow enough to absorb the details and interact with locals.

The e-bike revolution has made this cycling paradise accessible to travelers of all ages and fitness levels. With minimal effort, you can now experience the same routes that have delighted Dutch cyclists for generations, creating unforgettable memories of a country that has perfected the art of cycling.