The rules around electric scooters in the Netherlands have been thoroughly revised in recent years. Since July 1, 2025, you may only take an RDW-approved e-scooter with a license plate onto public roads. In this article you'll find all the 2026 rules in one place: from age and helmet requirements to where you may ride and which fines you risk.
Last updated: July 2026. Source: Rijksoverheid and RDW.
Are electric scooters legal in the Netherlands?
Yes — but only if the e-scooter is approved by the RDW and has a license plate. A non-approved electric scooter falls under the 'special vehicle' category and is legally not permitted on public roads. That applies to bike paths, sidewalks, footpaths, and the roadway. On private property (for example a closed parking lot or a park with permission) it is allowed.
Since July 1, 2025, the license plate requirement for special mopeds has been in effect. E-scooters that were already approved before that date could still be registered until July 1, 2026 at the reduced rate of €18. That transition period is over: since then the RDW assesses each not-yet-registered unit individually, starting at €116.55. Read more about it in our article on the expired July 1, 2026 deadline.
What rules apply to a legal e-scooter in 2026?
For an RDW-approved electric scooter, such as the SELANA Alpha, the following requirements apply:
- Maximum speed: 25 km/h (limited by the manufacturer)
- Minimum age: 16 years
- Driver's license: not required for approved models
- Helmet: not mandatory, but strongly recommended by ANWB and SWOV
- Third-party liability insurance: legally required
- License plate: mandatory, register via the RDW
- Where to ride: mandatory bike/moped path or roadway within a 30 km/h zone
- Mobile phone use: holding a phone is prohibited — same rules as on a bicycle
- Alcohol: max 0.5 per mille (0.2 for novice drivers)
Can I ride an e-scooter on the bike path?
Yes, with an RDW-approved e-scooter with a license plate you're required to use the bike path or moped path where one is present. Without approval, the bike path is off-limits.
Can I ride on the sidewalk?
No. The sidewalk and footpath are for pedestrians. Riding on the sidewalk results in a fine even with a legal e-scooter.
Do I need a driver's license?
No, an RDW-approved e-scooter does not require a driver's license. You must be at least 16 years old, however.
Do I have to wear a helmet?
On an approved e-scooter that rides a maximum of 25 km/h, a helmet is not legally required (as of July 2026). ANWB and insurers strongly advise always wearing a helmet — in a fall on your head, the difference between wearing one and not is enormous.
Can I take a passenger?
No. An electric scooter is approved for one rider. Carrying a passenger is prohibited and will be fined.
What are the fines for an illegal e-scooter?
If you ride a non-approved or unregistered electric scooter on public roads, you risk the following fines (CJIB rates 2026):
| Violation | Fine 2026 |
|---|---|
| Riding without valid license plate/approval | €290 |
| Riding without third-party liability insurance | €490 |
| Riding on the sidewalk/footpath | €100 |
| Holding a phone while riding | €420 |
| Running a red light | €180 |
With multiple violations, you can rack up more than €1,000 in fines in a single check. The police can also confiscate your e-scooter — especially for repeat offenses or clear speeding violations. You'll find a comprehensive overview in our guide on e-scooter fines.
How do you get an RDW-approved e-scooter?
The RDW list of approved e-scooters includes five models: the electric kick scooters Yedoo Mezeq, Kickbike Luxury, Kickbike Fat Max, and Kickbike Cruise — where you push off with your foot yourself — and the SELANA Alpha. Of the modern stand-up e-scooters without pedals (the type most people have in mind), the SELANA Alpha is currently the only model with full RDW type approval and license plate registration. We compare all five side by side in our comparison of RDW-approved e-scooters.
The SELANA Alpha is classified as a special moped and comes with all the documentation for the license plate application. Because the model has national type approval, the RDW doesn't need to individually assess each unit. Read exactly how the registration works and what it costs in our explanation of license plate registration.
How do I insure my e-scooter?
Third-party liability insurance is mandatory as soon as your license plate is registered. SELANA works together with ANWB, allowing you to take out third-party liability insurance from €6 per month. Read our complete guide on insuring an e-scooter for all coverage options.
Frequently asked questions about e-scooter rules
Can I ride my Xiaomi or Ninebot G30 on the road in the Netherlands?
No. Well-known models like the Xiaomi M365 and the Ninebot Max G30 are not RDW-approved for the Netherlands and may not be used on public roads. Private property only. We explain why these brands haven't applied for approval in why your Xiaomi or Segway isn't legal in the Netherlands.
Can I take an e-scooter on the train or metro?
Yes, provided it's foldable and folded. NS applies the same rules as for folding bikes: you may bring it along, folded up.
Can I ride my e-scooter at night?
Yes, provided it has working lights (white in front, red at the back) and reflectors. This is standard built-in for RDW-approved models.
Can I tune up my e-scooter?
No. Tuning it above 25 km/h invalidates the approval and is a separate violation. The RDW can revoke the license plate.
Do separate rules apply if I use the scooter for business?
Under traffic law, no — the same requirements apply. Fiscally, yes: an e-scooter does not fall under the bicycle plan, but there are four other routes. See company e-scooter: does it fall under the bicycle plan?
Conclusion
The Dutch e-scooter rules are clear in 2026: RDW-approved, license plate, third-party liability insurance, age 16 and up, max 25 km/h, on the bike path. Stick to these and you'll ride legally and worry-free. Want to hit the road legally and insured right away? Check out the SELANA Alpha — the only stand-up e-scooter without pedals that is fully RDW-approved.
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
- E-scooter fines: rates & how to avoid them
- Insuring an e-scooter: costs, coverage & steps
- License plate registration for e-scooters & costs
- E-scooter vs e-bike for commuting
