Fat bikes are becoming a common sight among asylum seekers in the Netherlands, with long rows of them parked outside reception centers. The trend has sparked questions and political debate, as these bikes are usually expensive, often costing over €1,000. Critics have asked how asylum seekers can afford them.
Incidents such as a fat bike catching fire at a center in Baarn or groups of young riders causing disturbances in Dutch towns have drawn further attention to the machines and their new owners.
According to the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA), the popularity of fat bikes has grown significantly in recent years. Many asylum seekers, however, buy cheaper Chinese-made models online or at markets like Beverwijk’s Bazaar for €250–€500. Some finance them with their weekly allowance, savings from odd jobs, or by using the bikes for delivery work. For residents of remote centers, fat bikes also provide practical transport over long distances.
The COA does not actively promote the purchase of fat bikes but has issued safety guidelines for charging and maintaining them, including warnings about battery risks. Observers note that while many assume asylum seekers are poor, many have already invested significant sums in their journeys before arriving, making such purchases less surprising.
