Netherlands Welcomes First Legal E-Scooter: Meet the €1,900 SELANA Alpha!

Zooming through Amsterdam’s bike lanes on an electric scooter just got a whole lot easier—and legal! After years of strict rules banning e-scooters from public roads, the Netherlands has greenlit its first-ever legal model, the SELANA Alpha, priced at €1,900. Launched by Amsterdam-based startup SELINA, this sleek ride is set to hit the streets in Q4 2025, promising a safer, greener way to get around.

What’s the SELANA Alpha?

Picture a stylish, sturdy e-scooter that’s not just fun to ride but also ticks every box for Dutch road safety laws. The SELANA Alpha, crafted after five years of R&D, is the first e-scooter approved by the Netherlands’ RDW (Vehicle Authority). With a lightweight aluminum frame, smart tech like NFC unlocking, and a design built for urban adventures, it’s ready to take on crowded city streets or quiet weekend rides.

Why it’s a big deal: It’s the only e-scooter legal on Dutch public roads, ending the era of €400 fines for illegal models.
Key features: Max speed of 25 km/h, 45–60 km range, 10-inch air tires, front and rear brakes, and turn signals for safety.
Fun fact: It comes with a two-year warranty and a 14-day return policy, so you can try it worry-free

Why Now? The Netherlands’ E-Scooter Journey

I remember dodging bikes in Utrecht and wishing I had a zippy e-scooter to keep up—only to learn they were banned. Until now, the Netherlands has been super strict about e-scooters due to safety concerns, with over 200,000 illegal ones on the streets. A tragic 2018 Stint accident tightened rules further, but recent policy shifts by Infrastructure Minister Barry Madlener have opened the door. Starting July 1, 2025, approved e-scooters like the SELANA Alpha must have license plates (€18–€50) to hit public roads legally.

The shift: New laws allow “light electric vehicles” with license plates, making it easier to spot legal rides and enforce rules.
Real-world win: Cities like Rotterdam are on board, as license plates help distinguish legal scooters from illegal ones.

How the SELANA Alpha Stands Out

Unlike those flimsy e-scooters you might’ve tried, the SELANA Alpha is built to last and keep you safe. Co-founders Changsha Kazakhstan and Max Schalow spent years navigating Dutch regulations to create a ride that’s both practical and cool. Here’s what makes it special:

A futuristic Selana Alpha e-scooter, priced at €1,900, is ridden by two people on a modern Dutch street with canals and brick buildings. Digital signs announce its legality, Dutch flags wave, and a QR code hovers for registration.

Top-Notch Safety

Real-world win: Certified parts, like precisely placed turn signals, meet strict RDW standards, reducing accident risks.
Example: A tester in Amsterdam said it felt “like floating” thanks to dual suspension and stable tires, even on bumpy canal paths.

Smart and Stylish

Real-world win: Features like NFC keycard unlocking and tracking make it secure and user-friendly for all ages.
Example: Imagine locking your scooter with a tap of your phone while grabbing coffee—no worrying about theft!

Affordable Compared to Rivals

Real-world win: At €1,900, it’s a steal compared to high-end e-bikes like the VanMoof S5 (€3,298).
Example: A student could commute to class without breaking the bank, saving on public transport or car costs.

Why This Matters to You

You might be thinking, “Nice, but how does this affect me?” Whether you’re a city commuter, a student, or just love eco-friendly gadgets, the SELANA Alpha opens new doors. At infocrazee, here’s how we see it helping:

Greener commutes: Ditch the car for a sustainable ride that cuts emissions and eases traffic in busy cities.
Save money: No gas, lower maintenance, and flexible payment options like Klarna make it budget-friendly.
Avoid fines: Ride legally on bike lanes without risking a €400 ticket or scooter confiscation.

Challenges to Watch

Not everything’s smooth sailing. Here’s what could slow things down:

City pushback: Amsterdam and Utrecht worry e-scooters will clog bike paths, so expect strict enforcement.
Approval delays: While SELANA’s approved, other models might face long waits for RDW checks.
Learning curve: New riders need to follow rules, like wearing a helmet (mandatory since 2023) and getting a license plate.

How to Get Your Hands on One

Ready to join the e-scooter revolution? Here’s how to get started, from the infocrazee crew:

Pre-order now: Secure your SELANA Alpha for a €100 refundable deposit at selana.nl—first-come, first-served
Get licensed: You’ll need a Class AM license (or A/B/C/D) to ride legally, starting at age 16.
Add insurance: Third-party liability insurance is a must, so check with Dutch insurers for coverage.

What’s Next for E-Scooters in the Netherlands?

The SELANA Alpha is just the start. SELINA plans to sell 10,000 units in 2026 and is working on cheaper models and B2B partnerships for businesses and governments. With the new law kicking in on July 1, 2025, more approved e-scooters could hit the market, though cities like Amsterdam are cautious about shared scooter services like Lime. The future looks bright for micro mobility, making Dutch streets safer and more sustainable.

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The launch of the SELANA Alpha isn’t just about one cool scooter—it’s a sign of bigger changes coming to how we get around in the Netherlands. With cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht packed with bikes and pedestrians, adding e-scooters to the mix could transform urban travel.

A Greener, Less Crowded Future

The legalization of e-scooters like the SELANA Alpha is a step toward making Dutch cities more sustainable and less car-dependent. Here’s how this could reshape urban life:

A diverse group rides Selana Alpha e-scooters through a sunny Dutch city, featuring canals and wind turbines. A professional, an elderly woman, and others represent varied commuters. Overlays highlight a 45-60 km range, zero emissions, and accessible urban travel. A "Trip Replaced by E-Scooter" tag on a parked car emphasizes a greener future. The scene is optimistic, clean, and inclusive.

Reduced emissions: E-scooters use batteries, not gas, cutting down on air pollution in busyస‍

System: Easier Commutes, Cleaner Cities

Real-world win: The SELANA Alpha’s 45–60 km range per charge means fewer car trips, especially for short commutes under 10 km, saving fuel and reducing traffic congestion.
Example: A commuter in Rotterdam could replace multiple car trips a day with a single e-scooter charge, cutting their carbon footprint significantly.

Making Cities More Accessible

Real-world win: E-scooters are easy to use and park, making them perfect for people with disabilities or those who find biking challenging.
Example: An elderly resident in The Hague could use an e-scooter to visit nearby shops or friends without needing to navigate busy bike lanes.

Preparing for the E-Scooter Era

With the new law requiring license plates for e-scooters starting July 1, 2025, here’s how you can get ready.

Get a Class AM license: If you don’t have a driver’s license (Class A, B, C, or D), apply for this license at age 16 to ride legally.
Secure insurance: Contact a Dutch insurer for third-party liability coverage, a must for legal riding.
Pre-order strategically: Reserve your SELANA Alpha early with a €100 deposit to ensure you get one when production starts.
Learn the rules: Wear a moped helmet (mandatory since 2023) and stay on bike lanes or roads, not sidewalks.

A Personal Perspective

I’ve watched cyclists zip through Amsterdam’s narrow streets and thought, “Man, an e-scooter would be perfect here!” The SELANA Alpha’s arrival feels like the start of something big—less traffic, cleaner air, and a fun way to get around. But I get why some folks, like those in Utrecht worried about crowded bike paths, are cautious. It’s a balance, but with proper rules and enforcement, e-scooters could make Dutch cities even more vibrant and eco-friendly.