You can simply buy a Xiaomi, Segway or Ninebot e-step from a Dutch webshop. Yet you're not allowed to take it on the road. That sounds illogical, but it's exactly how Dutch approval rules work: selling is allowed, riding isn't. In this article we explain why, what it costs you if you do it anyway, and what you can still do with such a step.
Last updated: July 2026. Sources: RDW and Rijksoverheid.
The core issue: the Netherlands approves models, not categories
In many EU countries an electric scooter is allowed as long as it meets general requirements — usually a maximum speed and lighting. The Netherlands does it differently. Here a stand-up e-step falls under the category special moped, and that category has no general exemption. Every model must be individually approved by the RDW and appear on the official list.
If a model isn't on that list, it's simply not permitted on public roads. Regardless of how good it is, how fast it goes, or how many are driving around in Germany or France.
Which e-steps ARE on the list?
As of July 2026, five e-steps are on the RDW list:
- Yedoo Mezeq
- Kickbike Luxury
- Kickbike Fat Max
- Kickbike Cruise
- SELANA Alpha — with national type approval
Xiaomi, Segway, Ninebot, NIU, Dualtron, Kaabo, Apollo and the rest of the familiar range are not on it. The first four on the list are also scooter-like vehicles that you push off or pedal yourself; the SELANA Alpha is the only modern stand-up model. We've put them side by side in our comparison of all RDW-approved e-steps.
Why hasn't Xiaomi applied for approval?
There are a few practical reasons for that, and none of them have to do with the quality of the scooter itself.
Approval is expensive and model-specific
A national type approval requires documentation, tests and an application process with the RDW for each individual model. For a manufacturer that renews its product line every year and sees the Netherlands as one of dozens of markets, that's an investment that's hard to earn back.
The construction requirements differ
Special mopeds have their own requirements on points such as maximum speed (25 km/h), lighting, braking systems, stability and identification via a stamped vehicle number. A scooter designed for the international consumer market isn't always built for that — often, for example, an approved VIN is missing from the frame, or the brakes aren't configured as the requirements prescribe.
The Netherlands is a small market with its own system
As long as there's no harmonized EU type approval for this vehicle category, a manufacturer must go through the Dutch process separately. For most brands that doesn't outweigh the revenue.
What does it cost if you ride anyway?
| Offense | Fine |
|---|---|
| Riding without valid approval or registration | €290 |
| Riding without third-party liability insurance | €490 |
| Riding on the sidewalk | €100 |
| Holding a phone while riding | €420 |
| No working lights | €60 |
The fines are stackable: a single stop can cost you €780 before anything else has happened. On top of that, police can confiscate the scooter, for example for repeat offenses, tuning, or creating a dangerous situation. Getting it back quickly costs €100 to €200 in storage and transport fees.
The real risk isn't the fine
You can't insure an unapproved e-step in the Netherlands. No registration, no policy. If you hit someone, there's no liability coverage and you're personally liable for the other party's full damages. In case of injury, that amount can run into the tens or hundreds of thousands of euros, and a €290 fine becomes completely insignificant by comparison.
More on coverage and rates in our guide to insuring an e-step, and the full overview of fines in electric scooter fines 2026.
But it's just sold in the Netherlands?
Correct. There's no sales ban, only a ban on use on public roads. Stores are allowed to sell these scooters as vehicles for private property, and that happens on a large scale. Some sellers are clear about that, others use phrases like "meets European standards" or "limited to 25 km/h, so legal". Those claims say nothing about Dutch approval.
If in doubt, always ask one concrete thing: is this exact model on the RDW list of approved special mopeds? If the answer is vague, the answer is no.
What can you still do with an unapproved e-step?
- Ride on private property. A driveway, business premises or enclosed private property doesn't fall under the Road Traffic Act.
- Take it abroad. In many EU countries you're allowed to ride it. Check the rules per country — they vary widely.
- Sell it. There's no trade ban, but be honest about where the buyer is allowed to use it.
What you can't do with it: apply for a license plate after all. The more expensive RDW rate that has applied since July 1, 2026 is meant for vehicles that are already approved but not yet registered — not to admit an unapproved model after the fact. More on that in our article about the expired July 1, 2026 registration deadline.
Frequently asked questions
My Xiaomi is limited to 25 km/h. Isn't it legal then?
No. Speed is one of the requirements, not the only one. Without type approval and registration, the vehicle remains unauthorized, even if it drives at exactly 25.
I bought it in Germany with an insurance sticker. Am I allowed to ride it in the Netherlands?
A German Versicherungskennzeichen doesn't count as Dutch approval. The Netherlands has its own approval requirement and doesn't automatically accept foreign approval for this category.
Can I have my Segway modified so it gets approved?
In practice, no. Type approval is applied for by the manufacturer for a production model, not by a consumer for an individually modified unit.
Will the law be relaxed?
There are discussions about a broader European approach for light electric vehicles, but there's no announced date on which unapproved models will be admitted after all. Assume the current rules apply.
Conclusion
Xiaomi, Segway and Ninebot aren't illegal to own, but they are illegal to ride on public roads — because they don't have RDW type approval and haven't applied for it either. If you want to ride legally and insured, there's currently one option in the stand-up segment. Check out the SELANA Alpha or book a test ride.
