Danish ruling party proposes mandatory helmets for electric bike riders

Electric bicycle riders in Denmark may soon have to wear helmets. The Moderates party proposed a new law for all e-bike riders.

Currently, Danish law does not require helmets on standard electric bikes. Standard e-bikes offer motor help up to 25 kilometers per hour. Helmets are already mandatory for faster speed pedelecs up to 45 kilometers per hour.

Party spokesperson Sten Larsen raised safety concerns about standard e-bikes. He told TV2 Østjylland that e-bikes are heavier than regular bikes. He noted that e-bikes also move much faster than regular bikes.

Danish Road Directorate data shows a sharp rise in e-bike accidents. In 2025, 200 e-bike riders suffered injuries in Danish traffic. Among them, 133 riders suffered serious injuries in 2025. Another 11 e-bike riders died in traffic accidents that year. This was the highest number of serious e-bike injuries in six years.

Larsen wants to discuss the proposal with Transport Minister Signe Munk. News agency Ritzau asked Munk for comment, but she was unavailable.

The Danish Cyclists' Federation opposes making helmets mandatory by law. Federation chair Jens Peter Hansen spoke to broadcaster TV2 Østjylland. He warned that compulsory helmets could discourage people from cycling. However, the federation still strongly recommends wearing a helmet voluntarily. The Copenhagen Post reported on this proposed safety rule change.