As you explore e-scooters online, you may notice a recurring trend: many of them are just generic imports. These scooters were crafted for entirely different settings, like the smooth roads of California or the bustling tech hubs of Asia.
However, in the Netherlands, our experience is quite distinct. Our everyday travels are often a dance with bumpy cobblestones, deep tram tracks, slippery brick paths, and unexpected curbs that can surprise even the most seasoned riders.
With the SELANA Alpha, we set out to create something more than just another gadget. Our goal was to design a vehicle that feels safe and comfortable for everyone, regardless of age or riding experience. This required us to rethink the entire design, ensuring it meets the unique challenges posed by Dutch roads. We’re excited to share how we made this vision a reality.
Cobblestones vs. 10-Inch Air Tires
Imported scooters that are made to work well on smooth roads in other countries usually have small, 8-inch solid rubber wheels. Those small, hard wheels turn your ride into a bone-rattling nightmare on Dutch cobblestones and can easily get stuck in tram tracks.
We got rid of the standard sizes and gave the SELANA Alpha huge, 10-inch pneumatic (air-filled) tires and a telescopic front suspension fork. The big 10-inch diameter rolls smoothly over deep gaps without getting stuck, and the air inside the tires and the front suspension literally swallow the tiny vibrations. Instead of fighting the bumpy streets, you glide over them.
Balance and Stability in the Chaos
The standing decks on most Asian imports are often very narrow. You have to stand awkwardly when the wind picks up or you hit a pothole. You have to tense your legs and back to keep your balance.
To fix this, we made an ultra-wide deck with a high-quality anti-slip coating. This lets you stand with your shoulders at a natural width, which instantly lowers your center of gravity. You stay perfectly balanced and in control even if you hit a bump or a huge cargo bike passes you.
Predictable Braking
Let's be honest: Dutch bike lanes are a mess. Stop now with tourists, cargo bikes, and opening car doors.
Brakes that are cheap and made in another country often grab too hard, which makes you skid. We wanted stopping to feel natural, so the Alpha has two systems: reliable drum brakes on both wheels and an electronic brake in the back.
Because of this, you stop smoothly and predictably, never feeling like you're going to fly over the handlebars.
Because of its emphasis on stability and predictability, the SELANA Alpha is legally approved as a safe vehicle, so you are not required to wear a helmet. We didn't design a toy for the California sun; we created a real, dependable vehicle for the Dutch streets.
