PRESS RELEASE – Utrecht, 21 July 2026

Safe Cargo Bike Foundation announces collective action against Babboe amid acquisition by Dutech

The foundation is pressing ahead with its collective claim against Babboe whilst keeping the door open for talks.

The announced takeover of Accell Nederland B.V. (the parent company of Babboe cargo bikes) by the Chinese firm Dutech Holdings Limited does not alter the collective claim for damages brought by the Safe Cargo Bike Foundation (Stichting Veilige Bakfiets). The Foundation is pursuing these proceedings on behalf of thousands of cargo bike owners who have suffered damage as a result of Babboe’s defective and unsafe cargo bikes.  

The Foundation made this clear this week in a letter to Babboe’s lawyers. The Foundation wants Babboe to retain all evidence relating to the case and not to withdraw any assets from the company whilst the proceedings are ongoing. The reason is clear: the takeover must not deprive affected cargo bike owners of their rightful compensation.

The Foundation requires Accell and Babboe to provide written confirmation within two weeks that they are retaining all relevant data, including information on Babboe cargo bikes sold, production and distribution processes, and contact with affected parties following the safety warning of February 2024. Babboe must also confirm that that no assets will be withdrawn from the company before a proper solution has been found for compensating these owners.

Earlier attempts by the Foundation to enter into talks with Babboe went unanswered. The Foundation will therefore proceed with its collective action proceedings in the near future, whilst at the same time inviting Babboe and its future owner to reach a constructive solution. This is ultimately in the interests of all parties.

Esther van Garderen, chair of the Safe Cargo Bike Foundation: 
“In the past, Babboe has put children and parents at risk and caused financial hardship to owners. This acquisition must not stand in the way of fair compensation for affected cargo bike owners.”

The Foundation takes the view that clarity on this matter could also be of value to the parties involved in the takeover. The Foundation continues to invite Babboe’s owner to come to the negotiating table, and is also extending an olive branch to the new Chinese owners to enter into dialogue. At the same time, the Foundation is pressing ahead with its collective claim to defend the interests of the affected cyclists.

For more information and to register as an affected owner, the Foundation refers to its website: veiligebakfiets.nl