Infrastructure minister Barry Madlener is setting aside parliament’s call for a minimum age and helmets for fatbike users, saying it would not be possible to implement.

MPs have called for new rules to cover fatbikes because of their popularity among youngsters and an alarming rise in injuries.

But Madlener told MPs in a briefing on Wednesday that he is not prepared to bring in legislation which could be overtaken within a few weeks.

Not only are there legal issues to overcome, but fatbike producers would be able to get around the rules by making minor changes to the wide-tyred e-bikes, he said.

Madlener had earlier suggested introducing an age limit and helmet requirement for all e-bikes, which is not supported by parliament. This too is not an option at the moment, the minister said. Madlener is an MP on behalf of the far right PVV, which also supports call for new rules.

The ruling VVD and NSC have reacted angrily to Madlener’s decision, saying it is incomprehensible that the minister is ignoring a motion by two coalition partners.

“Young traffic accident victims on fatbikes deserve more attention,” the NSC said. “A minimum age of 14 and helmets are very necessary.”

The VVD said the minister was constantly coming up with excuses to take no action. “And I am not going to accept that, because the life-threatening situations on the streets will not stop,” said MP Hester Veltman.

The police confiscated at least 10,500 fatbikes last year, which are now stored in 10 special locations, the public prosecution department said last month.

The number of fines handed out to the drivers of the wide-tyred e-bikes has also doubled over the past year, the department said.

Transport ministry inspectors also seized an additional 16,500 fatbikes from China that failed safety tests.