What is an electric scooter?
An electric scooter is a compact, two-wheeled vehicle powered by an electric motor instead of muscle power. You operate the scooter standing up, with both feet on a flat footboard and your hands on the handlebars. Using a thumb throttle or finger trigger, you accelerate, after which the motor sets the wheel in motion and you move forward effortlessly.
You brake using a hand brake on the handlebars, often combined with an electric braking system on the motor itself. Beneath the footboard or in the steering column sits a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that powers the motor.
Depending on the model, a full battery gives you a range of around 20 to 60 kilometres, with a top speed that's limited to 25 km/h for most European models. Most electric scooters are foldable, so you can easily take yours along in the car to the campsite or store it in a corner of your shed or storage space.
The best-selling e-scooters
What is an electric scooter used for?
The electric scooter has become an indispensable, practical tool these days in all kinds of situations where shorter distances need to be covered quickly and effortlessly. Its convenience, speed and versatility make the e-scooter suitable for a wide range of uses, especially in places where you can ride around freely without depending on traffic laws on public roads.
Below you'll find the most common use cases.
- Camping use: at large holiday parks and campsites, an electric scooter gets you effortlessly from your tent or static caravan to the pool, the restaurant or the reception, without needing a bike.
- Private property and your own driveway: on a large yard, long driveway or spacious private property around the house, the e-scooter is a quick and agile way to cover the distance to the shed, the garden or the mailbox.
- Enclosed business premises: at a warehouse, factory site or depot, the scooter is ideal for quickly covering larger distances within a single location, without relying on a company vehicle.
- Abroad: in many European countries the rules are more relaxed than in the Netherlands, so on holiday you can use your electric scooter more freely for trips around the neighbourhood or rides along the coast.
- Holiday parks and resorts: at bungalow parks or resorts with extensive grounds, the scooter is a pleasant way to explore the whole park without having to walk long distances.
- Recreational riding: a relaxed ride on your own property or in places where it's allowed makes the e-scooter a fun activity for young and old.
- Events and festivals: on enclosed festival grounds or event venues, a foldable e-scooter can be a real help for quickly getting between stages, car parks or campsites.
Is an electric scooter legal?
Whether an electric scooter is legally allowed on public roads depends entirely on the type of scooter and whether the model has been officially approved by the RDW. In the Netherlands, an electric scooter falls under the category of special mopeds, and strict approval requirements apply.
The electric scooters from Xiaomi that you'll find in our range do not fall under these approved models and are therefore not allowed on public roads in the Netherlands. These e-scooters are intended for use in areas where it is permitted, and that's where they really come into their own.
- Your own private property: on your own yard, driveway or backyard, you decide how you use the scooter, without Dutch traffic laws applying.
- Enclosed business premises: on your own business park, warehouse or factory grounds, you can use your e-scooter without restrictions for getting around internally.
- Campsites and holiday parks: most campsites and holiday parks in the Netherlands allow the use of e-scooters on their own grounds, although house rules may vary by location.
- Abroad with more relaxed rules: in many European countries, less strict requirements apply, so you can use the scooter more widely there.
- Private events and closed locations: on enclosed event grounds or private locations, use is usually no problem.
What are the rules for an electric scooter?
There are various rules around using an electric scooter in the Netherlands that you should know well before you get started. The rules vary greatly depending on where you ride. On public roads an extensive package of legal obligations applies, while on private property you have much more freedom. Below you'll find both situations laid out.
Rules for use on public roads
These rules only apply when you have an RDW-approved electric scooter with a license plate and use it in traffic on public roads. They were established by the government and the RDW to ensure the safety of riders and other road users.
- Minimum age: you must be at least 16 years old to ride an electric scooter in traffic.
- Maximum speed: an approved e-scooter may not go faster than 25 km/h, which is limited by the manufacturer in the software.
- RDW type approval: only models officially approved by the RDW as a special moped are allowed on public roads.
- License plate requirement: since 1 July 2025, every newly approved e-scooter must have a blue license plate starting with the letter E; a transition period until 1 July 2026 applies to previously approved models.
- Liability insurance: third-party liability insurance is mandatory and the accompanying insurance sticker must be clearly visible on the scooter.
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): the scooter must have a unique identification number, similar to a chassis number on other vehicles.
- Lighting: working front and rear lights are mandatory and must be used during dusk and darkness.
- No phone use: holding a mobile phone while riding is prohibited; hands-free calling and listening to music are allowed.
- One person per scooter: carrying a passenger is not allowed, unless the scooter is specifically designed and approved for it.
- No alcohol: the same blood alcohol limit that applies to drivers also applies to scooter riders.
Rules for use on private property
As soon as you ride on your own property, such as a driveway, yard, campsite or enclosed business premises, the situation changes completely. Dutch traffic laws don't apply there, which means most requirements no longer apply. There are, however, a few practical points to keep in mind to keep things safe and enjoyable.
- No type approval needed: any electric scooter, even without RDW approval or license plate, may be used on private property.
- No insurance obligation: third-party liability insurance is not legally required on your own grounds, although accident coverage is always recommended.
- No legal age limit: no legal age requirements apply on private grounds, although the manufacturer usually recommends a minimum age of 16.
- House rules of the location: campsites, holiday parks or business premises may have their own rules about speed, usage times or permitted zones.
- Safety and maintenance: a properly working braking system, sufficient tyre pressure and attention to the surface ensure a safe ride, no matter the location.
Xiaomi electric scooter: the leading brand
Xiaomi is known worldwide as a forward-thinking technology brand with expertise in innovative electronics and high-quality mobility solutions, which translates directly into the design and build quality of their e-scooters.
Top models like the Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 Pro, the Xiaomi Electric Scooter 5 and the Xiaomi Electric Scooter 5 Pro feature 10-inch pneumatic tyres, dual suspension, IPX5 water resistance and a range of up to around 60 kilometres. The frame supports up to 120 kilograms and is built for durability and a long lifespan.
At TechPunt we offer the European Versions that come into their own on private grounds, at the campsite or during a holiday abroad. As an official distributor, we have the complete Xiaomi range available, from the compact Xiaomi M365 for beginners to the powerful Xiaomi Electric Scooter 5 Max.
Buy a reliable electric scooter at TechPunt
Are you looking for a reliable electric scooter that matches your needs? At TechPunt you'll find an extensive range of e-scooters from leading brands like Xiaomi and Navee, with a suitable model for every use and every budget.
From compact entry-level models to powerful top models with dual suspension and a long range, ideal for use on private grounds, at the campsite or during a holiday abroad. As the official Xiaomi distributor in the Benelux, we offer the largest Xiaomi range in the Netherlands at the lowest price, backed by our lowest-price guarantee.
Our experienced team is ready every day with expert advice by phone, email or WhatsApp, so you can make the right choice with confidence. Every product comes with a standard two-year manufacturer's warranty, and for maintenance or replacement you can turn to our extensive collection of parts and accessories.
FAQ about e-scooters
Is an electric scooter allowed in the Netherlands?
Is an electric scooter allowed in the Netherlands?
In the Netherlands, you're only allowed to ride an electric scooter on public roads if the model has an official RDW type approval and is fitted with a blue license plate starting with the letter E, plus valid third-party liability insurance with a visible sticker.
A small number of specific models currently meet these requirements. The Xiaomi electric scooters in the TechPunt range don't fall into this category, which means they're intended for use on private property, your own driveway, closed company premises, campsites, holiday parks and in countries with more relaxed regulations.
Is a license plate required for an electric scooter?
Is a license plate required for an electric scooter?
For electric scooters that are driven on public roads as a special class of moped, a license plate has been mandatory since 1 July 2025. For models that were already approved before that date, a transition period applies until 1 July 2026 to still apply for a license plate via the RDW.
If you ride exclusively on private property, at the campsite or on an enclosed area, a license plate is not mandatory and you can simply use any electric scooter from our range.
Who is allowed to ride an electric scooter?
Who is allowed to ride an electric scooter?
For use on public roads, there is a minimum age of 16, and you must have an approved scooter with a license plate and insurance. A driver's license is not required for a standard special-category moped.
On private property there is no legal age limit, although manufacturers usually recommend a minimum age of 16 and a body height and weight within the stated limits of the specific model. At campsites or holiday parks, additional house rules may apply that are set by the owner of the property.
Is a helmet required on an electric scooter?
Is a helmet required on an electric scooter?
For a regular approved electric scooter that falls under the special moped category, a helmet is not legally required in the Netherlands, not even on public roads. Wearing a helmet is strongly recommended for your own safety, though, especially at higher speeds or on uneven terrain.
On private property or at a campsite there is no helmet requirement at all, although caution is always a smart choice. For motor scooters or models that fall under a heavier vehicle category, additional requirements may apply.
user@techpunt.nl
user@techpunt.nl
user@techpunt.nl
user@techpunt.nl
user@techpunt.nl
