Types of Bicycles in the Netherlands: Which One Should You Choose?

If there’s one country where cycling is truly part of everyday life, it’s the Netherlands. Here, everyone has the perfect bike for every occasion — commuting to work, taking the children to school, doing the shopping, or setting off on a cycling trip.

In this land of bicycles, there are so many types to choose from that some might even surprise you — such as the famous bakfiets, equipped with a large front box for carrying children or cargo. But don’t be put off by the variety or by the idea of back-pedal brakes: most rental companies offer bikes with hand brakes, which are more familiar to international cyclists.

Below, we take a look at the most common types of bicycles in the Netherlands, along with options if you’re travelling as a family.

 

 
City Bike (Stadsfiets)

This is the classic Dutch bicycle – sturdy, comfortable, and designed for everyday use. It allows for an upright riding position, comes with mudguards and a rear luggage rack, and often features back-pedal brakes. Most models don’t have gears, so they’re not built for speed, but they do include a clever mechanism that makes it easier to start pedalling, almost as if the bike automatically shifted gear for you at the first push.

Most visitors don’t dare to use them because they’re not used to braking with the pedals, but if you enjoy travelling like a local, you should definitely give it a try!

 

 
Electric Bike (E-bike)

Electric bikes are becoming increasingly popular among both locals and visitors. They’re used for everything from getting around town to longer countryside rides. If you’re considering a cycling trip but feel a bit daunted by the distances, an electric bike is the perfect choice — and you’ll get used to it within minutes.

Plus, since you’re in the country of bicycles, almost all hotels have a place to store your bike, and with removable batteries, it’s easy to charge them in your room overnight.

 

 
Touring or Hybrid Bike

You could say this is the most common type of bicycle outside the Netherlands. It comes with gears, hand brakes, and an easy-to-fit luggage rack. Slightly wider tyres make it ideal for both paved roads and country paths. Its comfortable, upright position and versatility make it the go-to option for cycle touring. It’s often referred to as a hybrid bike and is the type of bike we offer on most of our trips.

 

 
Road Bike

Although it might not seem like it, road bikes aren’t particularly common in the Netherlands. You’ll spot a few people riding them in the city, but they’re far more often seen at weekends, gliding along the cycle paths that connect towns and villages. For long-distance cycling, both the Netherlands and Belgium are ideal destinations: almost the entire landscape is covered with well-marked cycle routes that offer an exceptional level of safety for cyclists.

If you enjoy picking up speed and covering long distances, a road bike is the way to go. And if you’re planning a trip visiting several towns or cities, get in touch and we’ll help you organise it, taking care of your luggage from one hotel to the next.

 

 
Cargo Bike (Bakfiets)

A true Dutch icon. The bakfiets features a large box at the front — made of wood or plastic — used to carry children, pets, the weekly shopping… or all of them at once! On your first visit to the Netherlands, you’ll likely be amazed to see parents cycling around with three children and several bags packed into the box. It’s not really for beginners, but it’s much easier to handle than it looks.

 

 
Folding Bike (Vouwfiets)

These are a common sight during rush hour, as only folding bikes are allowed on trains at those times due to their compact size. Outside peak hours, standard bicycles can be taken on board without issue. Folding bikes have much smaller wheels than usual and aren’t ideal for long distances, but they’re perfect for short urban journeys and easy storage.

 

 
Tandem Bike (Tandemfiets)

Perfect for sharing the effort — though it does take a little practice before navigating city streets or tight corners with confidence. Tandems make for a fun activity for couples or friends, and they’re also a great option for people with reduced mobility, as there are adapted models available for different needs.

 

 
Children’s Bike (Kinderfiets)

Dutch children learn to ride almost before they can walk, so there’s no shortage of bikes in every possible size. For the youngest riders, mountain bike–style models are the most common, but in the Netherlands you’ll also find mini touring bikes designed for comfort and everyday use.

Remember that in the Netherlands, wearing a helmet is mandatory for children under 12.

 

 
Child Seats and Trailers

For the little ones, there are several options depending on their height and whether they prefer to pedal or simply enjoy the ride:

• Child Seat: Recommended for children aged 1 to 4 years, up to around 22 kg. The seat includes a safety harness, and the child must wear a helmet at all times.
• Trailer: Suitable for children from 1 to around 4–5 years old. Depending on the model, it can carry up to 45 kg, which makes it possible to transport two children at once. It’s an excellent option in rainy weather, as most trailers can be fully enclosed to keep passengers dry and comfortable.
• Tag-Along Trailer: Ideal for children aged 4–5 years and up, with a minimum weight of 15–20 kg. This is the perfect way for kids to start learning about cycling — they can pedal and feel part of the ride without getting too tired. Most manufacturers set a maximum weight limit of around 45 kg. Beyond that stage, it’s time for them to ride their own bike.

 

 

Bicycle Accessories

• Panniers: An essential item both for everyday cycling and for touring. They save you from carrying shopping bags or wearing a rucksack for your water bottle or picnic supplies.
• Front Basket: Very common among locals and handy for daily errands. However, they’re less practical for travelling, as too much weight at the front can throw off the bike’s balance — and they don’t offer protection from the rain.
• Lights: A legal requirement. You can’t ride a bicycle without a white front light and a red rear light. Yet another sign that this truly is a cyclist’s paradise — you’ll find bike lights for sale everywhere, even in supermarkets.
• Lock: Absolutely essential. Most bikes in the Netherlands are fitted with two locks: a chain lock, used to secure the bike to a fixed object, and a wheel lock that immobilises the rear wheel and makes theft much harder. In the Netherlands, it’s common practice to use both.
• Air Pump: Unlike in many other countries, Dutch bicycles don’t usually come with a pump attached. The reason is simple: in a country with so many bikes, theft is also common. Fortunately, there’s little need to carry one — air pumps are easy to find. Most bike repair shops have one available at the entrance for public use, and you’ll often find them in other places too, such as supermarkets. However, if you’re planning a long-distance ride, it’s wise to bring your own.
• Repair Kit: It’s always a good idea to have a small puncture repair kit with patches, especially if you cycle regularly. There are plenty of bike repair shops in towns and cities, but for longer trips, it’s best to carry a full kit — including a couple of spare inner tubes.
• Decorative Flowers: a completely optional extra but a fun and typically Dutch touch! You’ll find colourful plastic flower garlands in many shops, perfect for personalising your bike and giving it a cheerful local flair.

 

Bike Rental Companies in the Main Cities

Here are some of the most popular bicycle rental companies in each major city.

Note that not all of them offer every type of bike, so if you’re after something specific, it’s best to check their websites in advance.

• Amsterdam: MacBike, Black Bikes, A-Bike Rental
• Utrecht: Laag Catharijne Fietsen, Black Bikes, Willemstraat Bike
• Rotterdam: Zwaan Bikes, Baja Bikes
• The Hague (Den Haag): Haagse Stadsfiets, Orie Rijwielen
• Haarlem: Rent a Bike Haarlem, Green Bike Haarlem
• Leeuwarden: CCT Bike Rentals, Bike Shop, Bike Totaal

 

If you’re planning a cycling holiday in the Netherlands and have questions about which type of bike to choose, don’t hesitate to get in touch — we’ll be happy to help.

You can also take a look at our trips, where we take care of accommodation and luggage transfers, provide all the routes so you can ride at your own pace, and always offer the option to add bike hire to your booking: Cycling holidays in the Netherlands