Is my electric scooter legal on public roads? (RDW & regulations 2026)

The key question every buyer asks: am I allowed to ride this electric scooter on public roads? The honest answer is that in the Netherlands most e-scooters are not allowed on the road. Only models approved by the RDW (the Dutch vehicle authority) may use the cycle path or carriageway, and even then only under strict conditions. We tell you exactly what is and isn't allowed, so you don't make the wrong purchase or risk a fine.

The short version

In the Netherlands, most electric scooters are not allowed on public roads. That sounds strict, but it is accurate: for years there was effectively a ban, because an e-scooter was legally treated as a moped and no scooter met those requirements. There is now a national approval framework for light electric vehicles (LEVs). The RDW assesses models one by one and only allows approved vehicles.

• Allowed: only a model approved by the RDW, provided it is insured and meets the conditions.
• Not allowed: virtually all standard, fast or imported e-scooters without Dutch approval.
• Always allowed: riding on your own land or enclosed private property with permission.

In our catalogue you can filter directly on "legal on public roads", so you can see at a glance which of our 130 models are allowed on the road.

Why are most e-scooters not allowed on the road?

The core lies in how the law classifies an electric scooter. A scooter with electric drive falls under the moped category. Mopeds are subject to requirements around type approval, insurance, registration plates and lighting. The problem: ordinary electric scooters were never approved as such, which is why in practice they simply weren't allowed on the road. It was not a ban on the scooter itself, but a consequence of the lack of an approval.

Since a national approval framework for light electric vehicles (LEVs) exists, this has changed. Manufacturers can have their vehicle assessed by the RDW. Only once a specific model passes the assessment may it — under conditions — be used on public roads. This applies per model, not per brand or type in general.

Important: a scooter you import online from abroad, or one that only carries a CE mark, is not automatically approved in the Netherlands. CE relates to product safety, not to admission to traffic.

Which e-scooters are allowed? (RDW approval & the Selana category)

Only models that the RDW has approved within the LEV framework may be used on public roads. The first approved electric scooter in this new framework is the Selana Alpha — often referred to as the "Selana" category. It was the first to demonstrate that an electric scooter can meet all the requirements.

If you ride an approved model, the following conditions usually apply:

• A minimum age for the rider.
• Mandatory third-party liability insurance.
• Possibly a registration plate or registration, depending on the vehicle.
• Riding on the cycle path where designated.
• A maximum design speed of typically 25 km/h.

Because the rules and the list of approved vehicles change, we recommend you always check the current status with the RDW before you take to the road. Not sure which model suits your situation? Our advisers are happy to help and you can take a test ride in the showroom.

What do you risk without approval? (fines)

If you ride on public roads with a scooter that is not approved, you fall under the category moped / unauthorised riding. The consequences can be significant:

• A fine in the region of €380 to €400 as an indicative amount. Note: fine amounts are adjusted annually, so this is an indication and not a fixed figure.
• Possible confiscation of the scooter.
• If you cause damage to others while uninsured, you are personally liable, which can be far more costly than the fine.

We do not invent helmet or driving-licence claims that may be incorrect: which additional requirements apply exactly depends on the approved model and the current regulations. Check this with the RDW. The message is simple: only ride on the road with an approved and insured vehicle.

Riding on private property

Good news for those who mainly ride for fun or sport: on your own land or enclosed private property (with the owner's permission) you may ride any electric scooter. The RDW approval framework does not apply there, because it is not a public road.

This is exactly what makes the fast and powerful models in our range interesting: think of use on your own grounds, a motocross area, a closed circuit, or for off-road and sporty riding. Of our 130 models, 68 are not allowed on public roads — these are precisely intended for this kind of private use. The other 62 models can, provided they are approved and insured, also be used on the road.

How do I know if my scooter is legal?

Want to be sure whether your (future) scooter is allowed on public roads? Then run through these points. If you cannot answer all of them with "yes", assume the scooter is intended for private property only.

• Is the exact model on the list of vehicles approved by the RDW?
• Do you have valid third-party liability insurance for the vehicle?
• Is a registration plate or registration arranged, if required?
• Do you meet the minimum age and any additional requirements?
• Do you stay within the maximum speed and ride where allowed (cycle path/carriageway)?

In our catalogue you can filter on "legal on public roads". Still in doubt? Ask our advisers for help or schedule a test ride in the showroom. And to be safe, always check the current status with the RDW, because the rules change.

Checklist: is jouw step legaal?

1. Is the exact model on the list of vehicles approved by the RDW?
2. Have I taken out valid third-party liability insurance for the scooter?
3. Is a registration plate or registration arranged, if required?
4. Do I meet the minimum age and any additional requirements?
5. Does the scooter not exceed the permitted design speed (typically 25 km/h)?
6. Have I checked the current status with the RDW?