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You see them more and more on the streets: electric scooters. But most of these “light electric vehicles” are not allowed on public roads because they don’t comply with the rules. Only a few models are approved.
The government has often announced that it will introduce new regulations. Previously, the goal was January 1 this year, but it was unsuccessful. “We want it to be safe. All the thinking has been done, but we have to be careful,” says Infrastructure and Water Management Minister Mark Harbers. NOS stories.
Meanwhile, the police are seeing more and more electric scooters driving and are issuing fines more and more often. They are especially popular with young people. “It’s very easy and convenient for shorter distances,” says Kaoutar, 15, “I like to ride a scooter, just like many of my friends around me. But not everyone is aware of the rules and the consequences, which can be dangerous”, says 18 Ettore, fifteen years old.
Not only can riding an electric scooter result in a fine, but there are other possible consequences as well. “Because scooters are prohibited on public roads, you’re not insured. Realize that if anything happens to you,” says Harbers.
NOS Stories spoke to young people who ride scooters and turned to the minister to ask if anything will change:
Electric scooters are legal in almost all other European countries. According to Harbers, the fact that the regulations are complicated in the Netherlands has to do with the fact that the cycle lane is more crowded here. “There are regular bicycles, e-bikes, cargo bikes, mopeds and cantas. We have to strictly deal with everything that comes with them.”
How e-steps are used abroad also plays a role, according to the Fietsersbond. “Several countries are again tightening the rules due to the nuisances and accidents caused by scooters,” says director Esther van Garderen. For example, Belgium introduced even stricter rules last summer, and in the Norwegian capital Oslo, where scooters are hugely popular, it has long been illegal to ride shared scooters at night.
Petition
The lack of regulation and the associated risks do not prevent most young people from riding an electric scooter. “As long as you know how it works, I think it’s safe,” says Kaoutar. Hector started one petition, to call on politicians to quickly come up with regulations for these types of scooters. The petition was signed 23,000 times. “Young people go around without lucidity. The government must speed up”.
Minister Harbers plans to send the House of Representatives a proposal for new rules for light electric vehicles later this year. It remains to be seen whether this also means that electronic passes that are still banned are still permitted on the road.
