Are electric scooters legal in the Netherlands?

They are increasingly seen on the streets and you may have already ridden one yourself: the electric scooter. But are they legal in the Netherlands? And where exactly are they allowed to drive? Below you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions.

• Which E-scooters are not allowed on public roads?

The SELANA ALpha is expected to be the first and only legal e-scooter by the end of 2024. There are no E-scooters with a throttle that are permitted to be ridden on dutch roads in the Netherlands.

• What are the consequences if I ride an unauthorised E-scooter on public roads?

You risk confiscation of the scooter and a fine of 400+ euros. In the event of an accident, this can also have financial consequences, because you are not insured.

• Why are E-scooters not allowed on public roads?

E-scooters are considered motor vehicles and must therefore meet certain requirements. There are already requirements for bicycles, E-bikes, mopeds, motorcycles and cars. These vehicle requirements are the same in all EU countries. However, there is no EU regulation for e-scooters yet, which means that manufacturers cannot obtain approval for use on public roads.

Some countries do have national legislation for e-scooters, which means that they can be used legally on public roads there.

The Netherlands has regulations for innovative vehicles, such as the Segway, under the category 'special moped'. Some vehicles have been approved for use on public roads in the Netherlands under these rules. Most of these vehicles are no longer being produced. 

Please note: if you buy an e-scooter now (for example for use on your own property), there is no guarantee that it will be allowed on the road later.

• What should you pay attention to when purchasing an e-scooter?

You can check the RDW website under the following link where you can see which vehicles have been approved by the RDW. If the e-scooter you are looking to buy is not in the list it is not legal to ride.

If you also want to use the scooter abroad, first check which rules apply there. Some countries only allow scooters with a maximum speed of 20 km/h or a maximum power of 250 Watts. In Germany, only scooters that have been approved by the German RDW are permitted.

• What is the minimum age for driving an e-scooter?

For e-scooters that are classified as mopeds or 'special mopeds', a minimum age of 16 years applies. A helmet or driving license is not required.