Looking for a legal electric scooter in the Netherlands? Since July 1, 2025, an RDW license plate is mandatory and the rules are being actively enforced. In this guide we explain what to look out for when buying, which models are actually legal, and how to get insured and registered on the road within a week.
Last updated: July 2026. Sources: Rijksoverheid and RDW.
Why a legal electric scooter?
Since July 1, 2025, the Netherlands has enforced a license plate requirement for special mopeds, including electric scooters. Non-approved e-scooters are banned from public roads and police actively hand out fines: €290 without a license plate, €490 without insurance. On top of that, the scooter can be confiscated. You'll find a full overview in our guide on e-scooter fines. With an RDW-approved, licensed e-scooter:
- You ride legally on bike paths and in 30 km/h zones
- You take out third-party liability insurance from €6 per month
- You don't risk fines or confiscation based on approval rules
- You're entitled to service, warranty, and registration certificate
Which e-scooters are RDW-approved in 2026?
The RDW maintains an official list of approved e-scooters. That list is short — there are five models on it:
- Yedoo Mezeq — electric kick scooter (push-off with foot, large front wheel)
- Kickbike Luxury — electric kick scooter
- Kickbike Fat Max — electric kick scooter with wide tires
- Kickbike Cruise — electric kick scooter
- SELANA Alpha — stand-up e-scooter without pedals, with national RDW type approval
Most people searching for "an electric scooter" mean the last type: a stand-up scooter without pedals, like the ones you see in southern EU cities on holiday. For that type, the SELANA Alpha is currently the only one legally available to buy and ride in the Netherlands. Other well-known brands (Xiaomi, Ninebot, Segway) are not approved — read why in why your Xiaomi or Segway isn't legal in the Netherlands. Want to see the five approved models side by side, including price, weight, and registration route? Check out our comparison of all RDW-approved e-scooters. You can always check the current list at rdw.nl.
What makes the SELANA Alpha legal?
The SELANA Alpha is classified as a special moped and has an official RDW license plate. In concrete terms, this means:
- No driver's license needed — anyone aged 16 and up may ride it
- No helmet requirement — though strongly recommended
- Insurable via ANWB — third-party liability from €6 per month
- Permitted on public roads — bike paths, moped paths, 30 km/h zones
- Nationwide service and maintenance network
- Full warranty on frame, battery, and motor
Buying an electric scooter: what should you look out for?
When buying an e-scooter in the Netherlands, RDW approval is the most important criterion. Without approval, the vehicle simply cannot be used on public roads. In addition, you should pay attention to:
1. RDW approval and license plate
Always ask for proof of approval. A legal e-scooter comes with a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) and all the documentation you need to register a license plate with the RDW. Watch out for sellers who say "it's just legal" without paperwork.
2. Range
The realistic range (not a marketing claim, but user measurements) for most models is between 25 and 45 km. For commuting, count on 60–70% of the manufacturer's stated range in cold weather and hilly terrain. The SELANA Alpha achieves 35–45 km in practical tests.
3. Build quality and weight
A scooter you fold and carry daily needs to be sturdy yet not too heavy. An aluminum frame, disc brakes front and rear, and quality tires (10-inch pneumatic tires minimum) are recommended for daily use.
4. Service and warranty
A Chinese parallel import comes without warranty or service. A legal Dutch product has a nationwide service network and direct replacement parts. Factor this in heavily — a broken battery without service is an expensive repair.
5. Insurability
Only RDW-approved scooters with a license plate can be insured. SELANA works directly with ANWB for a fast, affordable policy. Read our complete guide on insuring an e-scooter.
SELANA Alpha vs. non-approved e-scooters
| Aspect | SELANA Alpha (legal) | Xiaomi/Ninebot (non-approved) |
|---|---|---|
| On public roads | Yes, with license plate | No, private property only |
| Fine risk | None | €290 + €490 + confiscation |
| Third-party insurance | Yes, from €6/month | Not possible |
| Purchase price | From €1,900 | €400 – €1,000 |
| Warranty + service NL | 2 years full | None / parallel import |
| Expected lifespan | 5 – 7 years | 2 – 3 years (without service) |
How do you order the SELANA Alpha?
- Order online via our webshop, or schedule a free test ride at one of our dealers.
- Delivery to your home within 3–5 business days.
- License plate registration — thanks to the national type approval, the RDW doesn't need to individually assess your unit; we provide all the paperwork. Read how that works in our explanation of license plate registration and costs.
- Take out insurance with ANWB or another insurer.
- Ride — legally, insured, and covered by warranty.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy a used e-scooter?
Yes, provided the model is RDW-approved. The license plate is transferred to your name via the RDW. Always ask the seller for the registration certificate and CoC document. Note: if the vehicle has never been registered before, since July 1, 2026 you'll pay the high RDW rate of €116.55 instead of €18.
Can I bring my foreign e-scooter to the Netherlands?
Only if it's approved by the RDW as a special moped. EU approval in other countries is not a guarantee — the Netherlands has its own admission requirement.
Can I buy an e-scooter for my 14-year-old child?
You may own an e-scooter, but your child may only ride it on public roads from age 16. Under 16, the scooter may only be used on private property.
What's the difference between a special moped and a regular moped?
A special moped has different construction requirements (typically lighter, lower speed) and falls under its own legal category. For a regular moped you need an AM driver's license and a helmet requirement; not for a special moped.
Can my employer pay for the e-scooter?
Not via the bicycle plan — an e-scooter is not fiscally classified as a bicycle. But it is possible via the work-related expenses scheme or the tax-free mileage allowance of €0.25. We break down the four routes in company e-scooter: does it fall under the bicycle plan?
Conclusion
Buying a legal e-scooter in the Netherlands in 2026 starts with one question: does it have RDW approval? For modern stand-up models without pedals, the SELANA Alpha is the only option that is fully legal and licensed on the market. Check out the SELANA Alpha or schedule a test ride.
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?
- Electric scooter rules in the Netherlands 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
