The Dutch government has app<\/a>roved the first electric scooter for public roads and bike lanes, marking a cautious yet significant shift in the country\u2019s tough stance on micromobility.<\/span><\/p>\n Dubbed Selana Alpha and developed by the startup Selana, the vehicle was recently approved for use on Dutch roads by the national transport authority (RDW). In the process, the e-scooter earned its first blue license plate, which means it\u2019s now legally allowed to be driven as a light motor vehicle.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For co-founders Chingiskhan Kazakhstan and Max Schalow, the plate marks the end of a long regulatory slog to legalise their scooter.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cAfter 6 years of hard work, the day has finally come!\u201d Schalow wrote on LinkedIn. \u201cSelana Alpha is now legal to ride on public bike lanes in the Netherlands.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n TNW Conference 2025 – That’s a wrap!<\/p>\n Check out the highlights!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The Alpha comes with 10-inch air tyres, dual mechanical drum brakes, an electronic regenerative brake, full LED lighting with turn indicators, and a smartphone-controlled lock system.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Riders can expect a top speed of 25km\/h (per regulations) and a range of 45\u201360km. Powered by a 576 Wh LG lithium-ion battery, it charges to 80% in 2.5 hours.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Tech features include an <\/span>NFC-enabled<\/span><\/a> digital dashboard, which allows the vehicle to be unlocked with a smartphone or card. The e-scooter also comes with a built-in security alarm and motion detection, which issues alerts when there\u2019s a theft or a crash. Priced at \u20ac1,900, the Alpha doesn\u2019t come cheap.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The vehicle is legal for riders aged 16 years and older. No helmet or driving license is required and the e-scooter can be fully insured. However, a number plate is required, which costs <\/span>\u20ac18 for existing vehicles and \u20ac50 for new ones, per the RDW.<\/span><\/p>\n E-scooters, or \u201csteps\u201d as they are known in Dutch, are a common sight in many European cities. But in the Netherlands, their use is restricted to private driveways or gardens. Riding one on public roads and bike lanes was previously illegal and would land you with a \u20ac380 fine. However, this is now changing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The RDW recently introduced new legal provisions allowing e-scooters on Dutch roads \u2014 provided they meet strict safety standards and are fitted with a license plate. Selana is the first provider to meet these requirements.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m extremely proud that we managed to get past this hurdle, especially after industry experts, investors, competition, and haters told us endlessly that it is impossible,\u201d said Schalow.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n If you liked the article, do not forget to share it with your friends. Follow us on\u00a0Google News<\/a><\/span>\u00a0too, click on the star and choose us from your favorites.<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n If you want to read more like this article, you can visit our Technology category.<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n
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