On 1 July 2025, Minister Robert Tieman received the first licence plate for an e-scooter with national type approval in the Netherlands. Currently, the Selana e-scooter is the only model approved by the RDW and therefore legally permitted on public roads.
Geplaatst op 25 juli 2025
The approved e-scooters are identifiable by a small blue licence plate starting with the letter ‘E’. This marks a significant step for the Netherlands in adopting e-scooters, which have been part of urban mobility worldwide for years.
European status and differences
Regulations for e-scooters vary widely across Europe. In many countries, e-scooters have been a familiar part of the streetscape for years:
- Germany E-scooters have been allowed since 2019, provided they have insurance and type approval in accordance with the Elektrokleinstfahrzeuge-Verordnung (eKFV). Private e-scooters do not require a licence plate but must prove insurance and approval via a sticker.
- France Since October 2019, e-scooters have been permitted on public roads. Requirements include a minimum age of 12, mandatory reflectors and lights, and a maximum speed of 25 km/h. E-scooters are categorised as “EDPM” (Engins de déplacement personnel motorisés) and do not require registration or licence plates.
- Belgium Since 2022, riders under 16 are prohibited from using e-scooters on public roads (except in residential areas). They are classified as ‘personal mobility devices’ and do not require a licence plate, provided they meet technical requirements such as lights, a bell, and motor power limits.
- Norway Since 2022, helmets are mandatory for riders under 15, and the speed limit is 20 km/h. E-scooters are treated as bicycles and do not require registration or type approval, although rental operators need municipal permits.
- Sweden From 2023, helmet use is mandatory and the speed limit is 20 km/h. E-scooters with less than 250W and a maximum speed of 20 km/h do not require registration. More powerful e-scooters are classified as mopeds and require registration and insurance.
- Finland E-scooters have been permitted since around 2016-2017, classified as bicycles if they do not exceed 25 km/h and have a motor power of up to 250W. In June 2025, regulations were tightened: children under 15 are now banned from using e-scooters, and rental operators must obtain municipal permits. There is no licence plate requirement, but parents may be held liable if a child under 15 rides. Alcohol and drug laws applicable to motor vehicles also apply.
Challenges and safety considerations
The rise of e-scooters brings similar challenges across Europe:
- Road safety Accidents involving e-scooters are increasing, often due to ignorance of regulations or reckless behaviour.
- Infrastructure Many cities struggle with limited space and uncertainty over where e-scooters fit among pedestrians, cyclists, and motor vehicles.
- Enforcement Without registration or licence plates, it is difficult to monitor illegal or non-compliant vehicles.
- Insurance and liability Debates continue over mandatory insurance and liability in the event of accidents.
E-scooters and public space: parking and shared mobility under pressure
A key urban challenge is parking e-scooters, particularly shared scooters and bikes. The popularity of rental services often results in indiscriminate parking, obstructing pedestrians and cluttering public spaces.
Cities such as Paris and Barcelona are experimenting with dedicated parking zones and digital geo-fencing to regulate shared e-scooter parking. In Paris, parking outside designated areas is prohibited, while Barcelona has clear pick-up and drop-off zones. These measures prevent obstacles on pavements and near entrances, improving accessibility for all users.
Additionally, the high turnover and intensive use of shared e-scooters require robust maintenance and charging strategies, with attention to sustainability and safety.
The Dutch approach: strict but clear
The Netherlands has chosen a careful and structured approach. Until recently, e-scooters (as special mopeds) were only permitted under exceptions or pilot schemes. Since January 2024, the RDW has been the national approval authority, offering manufacturers a formal route to apply for access.
Key Dutch requirements include:
- National type approval by RDW is mandatory.
- A small blue licence plate starting with ‘E’.
- Insurance is required upon registration.
- Only approved models are allowed; currently, this is limited to the Selana e-scooter.
Legislation and European harmonisation
There is currently no harmonised EU legislation specifically for e-scooters. Member states set their own requirements. EU machinery directives and general vehicle safety rules apply partially, depending on classification (personal mobility device versus light moped).
With the growth of e-scooter use and ambitions for sustainable shared mobility, pressure is increasing from industry and cities to harmonise regulations, setting minimum standards for speed, braking, lighting, and certification.
The Netherlands’ position
With the first approved e-scooter, the Netherlands formally joins countries that allow e-scooters on public roads, albeit under strict conditions. More manufacturers are expected to seek RDW approval, potentially leading to broader authorisation after evaluation.
Minister Tieman described this milestone as a “step forward for road safety”, as enforcement and safety standards are now demonstrably secured. However, challenges around infrastructure and urban integration remain.
Conclusion
The approval of the first e-scooter in the Netherlands is both a milestone and a starting point. Europe remains a patchwork of regulations, facing similar challenges regarding safety, infrastructure, enforcement, and public space management. For now, the Netherlands focuses on controlled introduction, while European harmonisation could eventually ensure safer and more efficient use of these micromobility solutions.
About Smart Mobility Embassy
Smart Mobility Embassy, the international label – service of Connekt-ITS Netherlands, acts as a catalyst for innovation in sustainable urban mobility by connecting governments, businesses, and knowledge partners. We share this news on the first nationally approved e-scooter in the Netherlands because it represents a significant advancement towards safer, smarter, and more sustainable transport solutions. Highlighting such milestones supports our mission to promote clear regulations, enhance road safety, and foster the integration of new mobility technologies into the urban environment.
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