Rules for electric scooters (e-scooters)
You must follow a number of rules when using an elektrische step (electric scooter or e-scooter). If the electric scooter is an approved model or if it is a kick scooter with motor assistance, then you are allowed to use it on roads in the Netherlands except motorways.
Types of electric scooters
There are different types of electric scooters:
E-scooter
This electric scooter or motor scooter is classified as a bijzondere bromfiets (special moped) in the Netherlands. An e-scooter is self-propelled, which means you don’t have to push to make it move and it does not go faster than 25 kilometres per hour. In the Netherlands, you are usually not allowed to ride e-scooters on the road.
However, approved e-scooters (link in Dutch) are allowed on the road. If your e-scooter is not approved then you are not allowed to ride it on the road. The police can issue a fine or confiscate your e-scooter.
Electric kick scooter with motor assistance
There are also electric scooters with stepondersteuning (motor assistance). These are also known as electric kick scooters, or electric push scooters where you are partially assisted by a motor but you must also propel yourself forward with your foot. The auxiliary motor helps you go faster but not faster than 25 kilometres per hour. The auxiliary motor has a maximum power of 250 watts.
You do not need to register an electric kick scooter; this is only required for electric scooters.
Type | Features | Permission |
| E-scooter | Operates automatically, you do not have to propel yourself | Only approved models |
| Electric kick scooter with motor assistance | You must propel yourself | Yes |
Rules for using e-scooters
You may only ride on the road in the Netherlands if your e-scooter is on the approved e-scooter list. The following rules also apply:
- An e-scooter may not exceed 25 kilometres per hour.
- You do not need a driving licence.
- You need a registration number.
- You do not need to wear a helmet.
- You must ride on the cycle path or cycle/moped path.
- You must ride as far to the right as possible.
- You are not allowed to ride on the pavement.
- You are not allowed to hold electrical devices while riding the e-scooter. Hands-free phone calls and listening to music are allowed.
- You may not ride on the road under the influence of alcohol, drugs or certain medications.
- You must be 16 years of age or older to ride an e-scooter on the road.
- You must insure the e-scooter for wettelijke aansprakelijkheid, WA (third-party liability). You must affix the insurer's sticker to the e-scooter.
Number plates mandatory for e-scooters
Since 1 July 2025, e-scooters must now display number plates. This also applies to all other special mopeds (in Dutch). Sellers of special mopeds can ensure that the vehicle is sold with number plates. E-scooters that are allowed to be used on roads in the Netherlands that were manufactured before 1 July 2025 will require number plates from 1 July 2026. You can apply for number plates (in Dutch) through the RDW website.
No RDW approval, no road use
Please note: most e-scooters on the market are not approved for use on roads in the Netherlands. It is not possible to apply for number plates for an unapproved e-scooter. Only approved e-scooters are allowed on the road. The RDW has an overview of all approved e-scooters.
Rules for using electric kick scooters
Electric kick scooters are subject to the same rules as electric bicycles.
