The Rise of Legal E-Scooters: Why Selana Alpha Is Just the Start

Electric scooters, or e-scooters, have surged in popularity worldwide as a convenient, eco-friendly alternative to traditional transportation. However, their legal status has often lagged behind their adoption, leading to regulatory hurdles and fines for riders. In the Netherlands, a country known for its cycling culture and stringent transport regulations, the Selana Alpha has emerged as a game-changer. Approved by the Dutch transport authority (RDW) on July 1, 2025, it became the first fully legal e-scooter permitted on public roads and bike lanes. This milestone marks not only a victory for Selana but also the beginning of a broader shift toward legal, safe, and sustainable micro mobility. This article explores the rise of legal e-scooters, why the Selana Alpha is a pivotal development, and what the future holds for urban mobility.

The Selana Alpha: A Breakthrough in Micromobility

The Selana Alpha, developed by Amsterdam-based startup Selana, is the first e-scooter to meet the Netherlands’ rigorous safety and regulatory standards. After six years of research and development, co-founders Max Schalow and Chingiskhan Kazakhstan celebrated the scooter’s approval, which includes the country’s first blue license plate for an e-scooter, classifying it as a light motor vehicle. This achievement required navigating complex technical and manufacturing challenges, ensuring the Alpha complies with the Dutch Special Moped Regulation.

Key Features of the Selana Alpha

The Selana Alpha is designed with safety, quality, and user experience in mind, positioning it as a premium option in the micro mobility market. Its standout features include:

• Performance: A top speed of 25 km/h, adhering to Dutch regulations, and a range of 45–60 km on a single charge, powered by a 576 Wh LG lithium-ion battery that charges to 80% in 2.5 hours.
• Safety: Equipped with 10-inch air tires, dual mechanical drum brakes, regenerative braking, full LED lighting with turn signals, motion detection, and anti-theft alarms.
• Convenience: NFC unlocking via smartphone or card, a sturdy aircraft aluminum frame, dual suspension, and pneumatic tires for a comfortable ride. No driver’s license or helmet is required for riders aged 16 and older.
• Legality: RDW approval allows the Alpha to be insured and registered with a license plate (€18 for existing vehicles, €50 for new permits), avoiding the €400 fines previously imposed for illegal e-scooter use on public roads.
• Sustainability: Built with high-quality, certified components, the Alpha promotes eco-friendly urban mobility, aligning with Selana’s mission to create a livable urban environment.

Priced at €1,900, the Selana Alpha competes with high-end e-bikes like the VanMoof S5 (€3,298) while offering a more affordable, license-free alternative to mopeds. Its sleek design and advanced features have earned it praise as the “Apple of E-steps,” with reviewers like Bram from Bright highlighting its sturdy build and ease of use.

Overcoming Regulatory Hurdles

Until recently, e-scooters were banned on Dutch public roads, restricted to private property, with violators facing a €380 fine. The RDW’s new certification system, introduced in 2025, changed this by allowing compliant e-scooters to operate legally on bike lanes. Selana’s success in meeting these standards—after five years and €1.5 million in investment—sets it apart from competitors who either went bankrupt or abandoned the process. The Alpha’s approval is a testament to Selana’s commitment to quality control, comparable to that of major car manufacturers like Toyota and Tesla.

Why Selana Alpha Is Just the Start

The Selana Alpha’s legalization is a pivotal moment, but it’s only the beginning of a broader transformation in urban mobility. Several factors suggest that legal e-scooters will play an increasingly significant role in cities worldwide:

1. Growing Demand for Sustainable Transport

As cities grapple with traffic congestion, air pollution, and climate change, e-scooters offer a low-carbon alternative to cars. The Selana Alpha’s sustainable design, with its focus on high-quality materials and efficient performance, aligns with this trend. By enabling riders to replace short car trips, e-scooters can reduce urban emissions and ease pressure on public transport systems. Selana’s vision of a “livable urban environment” resonates with global efforts to promote greener cities.

2. Evolving Regulations

The Netherlands’ approval of the Selana Alpha reflects a cautious but progressive shift in micro mobility policy. Other countries are following suit, with the European Union exploring harmonized e-scooter regulations to ensure safety while encouraging adoption. Selana’s success could inspire other manufacturers to meet stringent standards, leading to a wave of legal e-scooters across Europe and beyond. As Changsha Kazakhstan noted, “There is a significant demand for legal reforms” in the Netherlands, signaling broader public support for e-scooter integration.

3. Technological Advancements

The Selana Alpha’s advanced features, such as NFC unlocking, GPS tracking (via a subscription-based app), and robust safety systems, showcase the potential of e-scooters as smart, connected devices. Future models may incorporate AI-driven navigation, improved battery efficiency, or vehicle-to-vehicle communication to enhance safety and user experience. Selana’s comparison to the “Tesla and Apple of E-steps” suggests a focus on innovation, setting a high bar for competitors.

4. Market Potential

The global e-scooter market is projected to grow significantly, driven by urbanization and demand for affordable transport. In the Netherlands alone, Selana has reported tens of thousands of pre-orders, indicating strong consumer interest. By offering flexible payment options like in3 (three interest-free installments), Selana makes the Alpha accessible to a wider audience. As production ramps up, with deliveries expected in early 2025, the company aims to avoid the pitfalls of competitors like VanMoof, which struggled with service issues.

5. Cultural Shift in Urban Mobility

In bike-friendly countries like the Netherlands, e-scooters complement existing cycling infrastructure. The Selana Alpha’s approval for use on bike lanes integrates it seamlessly into the Dutch transport ecosystem. As urban dwellers seek flexible, convenient options, e-scooters could become as ubiquitous as bicycles, especially for commuters and young riders who value the Alpha’s license-free operation.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite its promise, the rise of legal e-scooters faces challenges. High upfront costs, such as the Alpha’s €1,900 price tag, may deter some buyers, though insurance (~€6/month) and maintenance costs are relatively low. Infrastructure constraints, such as limited bike lane capacity in crowded cities, could also hinder adoption. Additionally, public perception of e-scooters—often tainted by unsafe, illegal models—must shift to embrace regulated, high-quality options like the Alpha.

On the opportunity side, Selana’s first-mover advantage positions it as a market leader. By building a network of dealers and maintenance providers, the company aims to ensure reliable service, addressing a key pain point in the micro mobility sector. Partnerships with B2B clients and potential expansion into other markets could further solidify Selana’s position.

The Future of Legal E-Scooters

The Selana Alpha’s launch is a catalyst for change, proving that e-scooters can meet strict regulatory standards while delivering a premium user experience. As Max Schalow stated, “We want urban mobility to be sustainable and help people leave their cars behind more often.” This vision aligns with global trends toward smarter, greener cities.

Looking ahead, the e-scooter industry is poised for growth, with innovations in safety, connectivity, and affordability driving adoption. Selana’s success may encourage competitors to enter the legal market, fostering healthy competition and consumer choice. Governments, too, will play a crucial role by updating regulations and investing in infrastructure to support micro mobility.

Conclusion

The Selana Alpha’s approval as the Netherlands’ first legal e-scooter is a landmark achievement, marking the dawn of a new era in urban mobility. With its focus on safety, quality, and sustainability, the Alpha sets a high standard for the industry. While challenges remain, the rise of legal e-scooters signals a shift toward more flexible, eco-friendly transport options. As cities evolve, e-scooters like the Selana Alpha will play a vital role in shaping the future of how we move. This is just the start—expect more innovation, competition, and regulatory progress to follow.