The Dutch government has approved the first electric scooter for public roads and cycle paths and marked a careful but considerable change in the country's hard keeping to micromobility.
Selana Alpha, developed by the startup Selana, was recently approved by the National Transport Authority (RDW) for Dutch roads. The e-scooter earned its first blue license plate, which means that it can now be legally driven as a light motor vehicle.
For co -founders Chingiskhan Kazakhstan and Max Schalow, the plate marks the end of a long regulatory slog to legalize their scooter.
“After 6 years of hard work, the day finally came!” Schalow wrote about LinkedIn. “Selana Alpha is now legal to drive on public bicycle traces in the Netherlands.”
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The alpha has 10-inch air strips, double mechanical drum brakes, an electronic regenerative brake, complete LED lighting with gymnastics indicators and a smartphone-controlled blocking system.
Drivers can expect a top speed of 25 km/h (per regulations) and an area of 45–60 km. Driven by a 576 WH LG lithium-ion battery, it invites you to 80% in 2.5 hours.
The technical functions include one NFC-capable Digital dashboard with which the vehicle can be unlocked with a smartphone or a card. The e-scooter also has an integrated security alarm and a motion detection that issues warnings when there is theft or a crash. The alpha is not cheap.
The vehicle is legal for drivers aged 16 and over. No helmet or driver's license is required and the e-scooter can be fully insured. However, a number plate is required, which costs 18 € for existing vehicles and € 50 for new ones, according to RDW.
E-scooters or “steps” as they are known in Dutch are a frequent sight in many European cities. In the Netherlands, however, their use is limited to private entrances or gardens. Driving on public roads and bike paths was illegal before and would land it with a fine of € 380. However, this changes now.
The RDW recently introduced new legal provisions that allow e-scooters on Dutch roads-pre-preliminary, they meet strict security standards and are equipped with a license plate. Selana is the first provider to meet these requirements.
“I am very proud that we managed to overcome this hurdle, especially after industry experts, investors, competitions and haters endlessly said that it is impossible,” said Schalow.
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