Electric Scooter Fines 2026: Official Rates & How to Avoid Them

The popularity of electric scooters is enormous, but many riders are unaware of the hefty fines you can get on a non-approved e-scooter. In this overview you'll find all the official CJIB rates for 2026, plus exactly how to avoid them.

Last updated: July 2026. Rates based on the official CJIB offense code table for traffic fines. Regulatory source: Rijksoverheid.

Overview of electric scooter fines 2026

Dutch police have been actively enforcing since the license plate requirement took effect on July 1, 2025. These are the most common fines:

During a combined check (for example no license plate + no insurance + riding on the sidewalk) you can rack up more than €880 in fines at once. On top of that, the police can confiscate the scooter — in practice mainly for repeat offenses or clear speeding violations.

Why are most e-scooters illegal?

Most electric scooters you buy online (via Amazon, AliExpress, bol.com, or Marktplaats) are not approved by the RDW. They may only be used on private property: in a garden, a closed parking lot, or a private track. On public roads — including bike paths and sidewalks — they are prohibited. This applies to popular brands such as Xiaomi (M365, Mi Pro 2, Mi Pro 4), Ninebot (Max G30, F40, GT2), and hundreds of other models that have never applied for or received Dutch type approval. The RDW maintains a list of approved special mopeds — anything not on it is not permitted. We explain why these brands don't apply for approval in why your Xiaomi or Segway isn't legal in the Netherlands.

Confiscation: when and how?

The police have the authority to confiscate your e-scooter under article 130 paragraph 4 WVW. In practice this doesn't happen at every stop, but it does when:

• You are repeatedly stopped for the same violation
• Your e-scooter has clearly been tuned above 25 km/h
• There is a dangerous situation (on the sidewalk, running a red light, drunk riding)
• You cannot show a valid ID

In the event of confiscation, you can (often) get the scooter back after paying the fines, provided it isn't forfeited. Expect extra costs for storage and transport: typically €100–€200.

Note: the cheap license plate route is closed

If you ride a model that is approved but not yet registered, registration was possible until July 1, 2026 for €18. That transition arrangement has expired: the application now starts at €116.55 because the RDW has to assess the vehicle individually. As long as you ride without a license plate, the €290 fine still applies. Read more about the expired July 1, 2026 deadline.

How do you avoid e-scooter fines?

There is one reliable way to legally take an electric scooter onto public roads in the Netherlands: choose an RDW-approved e-scooter with a license plate. Among modern stand-up e-scooters without pedals, the SELANA Alpha is currently the only model with full approval and license plate registration. All five approved models are compared side by side in our comparison of RDW-approved e-scooters.

With a legal e-scooter like the SELANA Alpha:

• You have an official RDW license plate
• You can easily get insured via ANWB (from €6/month)
• You don't risk fines — provided you follow the standard traffic rules
• Your e-scooter cannot be confiscated based on approval rules
• You're covered for damage to third parties

What if you already got a fine?

Already received a fine for riding a non-approved e-scooter? A few things to know:

1. Pay the fine. Objecting to a justified fine rarely helps. You have 6 weeks to file an objection with the CJIB, but the chance of success is low for this category.
2. Stop riding until you have a legal alternative. A second fine is almost guaranteed to be more expensive than the first.
3. Consider a legal e-scooter. The cost of a SELANA Alpha including license plate and annual insurance outweighs a few combined fines.

For high fines (€450+) you can request a payment plan through the CJIB.

Frequently asked questions

Will I get a fine if I ride on private property?

No, on private property (with the owner's permission) you may freely ride a non-approved e-scooter. The violation only applies on public roads.

Will my child get a fine for riding an illegal e-scooter?

Under 16, you may not take an e-scooter onto public roads at all. For minors, fines are usually sent to the parents via the CJIB.

Can I get my fine back if I buy a legal e-scooter afterward?

No. A fine once issued stands. However, you do prevent future fines by switching to a legal model.

Does the fine also apply abroad?

Fines for violations in the Netherlands apply regardless of your place of residence. Foreign tourists still receive the bill at home via international treaties.

Can my employer provide an e-scooter without fine risk?

Yes, provided the model is approved and insured. Read how that works fiscally in company e-scooter: does it fall under the bicycle plan?

Conclusion

A single check can easily cost you €700–€900 — more than a year of riding a legal scooter, and you're still left without transport. Invest in an RDW-approved scooter and ride worry-free. Check out the SELANA Alpha, schedule a test ride, or read our complete guide with all e-scooter rules for 2026.

Further reading on legal e-scootering

• All RDW-approved e-scooters compared (2026)
• Why your Xiaomi or Segway isn't legal in the Netherlands
• E-scooter license plate: July 1, 2026 deadline passed
• Company e-scooter: does it fall under the bicycle plan?
• Legal electric scooter buying: complete guide 2026
• Electric scooter rules in the Netherlands 2026
• Insuring an e-scooter: costs, coverage & steps
• License plate registration for e-scooters & costs
• E-scooter vs e-bike for commuting