Netherlands to Require Registration for Electric Scooters by July 2025
The Hague, Thursday, 24 April 2025.
Starting July 2025, the Netherlands mandates registration for electric scooters and special mopeds to enhance road safety. A reduced fee of 18 EUR is set for existing vehicles.
New Regulatory Framework
Infrastructure Minister Barry Madlener announced on April 23, 2025, that all newly admitted vehicles in the ‘special moped’ category must obtain a license plate starting July 1, 2025 [1][2]. Existing vehicle owners will have a one-year grace period to comply with the registration requirement [1]. The government has implemented a cost-reduction measure, setting the registration fee at 18 euros for existing special mopeds, compared to the standard fee of over 50 euros, with the ministry covering the difference [1][3].
Enforcement and Safety Measures
The registration mandate aims to simplify law enforcement and improve road safety by making approved vehicles immediately identifiable [3]. While the legislation covers electric scooters, it’s noteworthy that as of April 24, 2025, no e-scooters have yet received official approval for public road use [3]. The ministry anticipates the first approvals to come shortly after the law’s implementation [1].
Vehicle Classifications and Exceptions
The new regulations specifically target ‘light electric vehicles without pedal assistance’ [1]. Electric scooters with pedal assistance follow the same regulations as e-bikes and are exempt from this registration requirement [1]. The legislation also clarifies that fatbikes currently classified as e-bikes remain under existing regulations, though those capable of speeds exceeding 25 km/h or operating without pedaling are already prohibited [2].
Municipal Implementation
Local authorities, including the Municipality of Rotterdam, have indicated that the new system will help distinguish between legal and illegal vehicles [3]. However, some residents have raised questions about enforcement mechanisms, with Anouk Janssen from Eindhoven noting concerns about tracking unregistered vehicles in real-time [3]. The success of this initiative will largely depend on coordinated efforts between national and local authorities to ensure comprehensive implementation [3].