The Netherlands and Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs)
An increasing variety of light vehicles use our roads and cycle paths. Bicycles are the most numerous: approximately 23 million bikes, including more than three million electric. More innovative Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs) are also being launched, including e-scooters and various types of cargo and carrier bikes. These new vehicles can potentially help society achieve some of its goals relating to, for instance, accessibility, recreation and sustainability, provided their technical safety and use on the road is properly guaranteed. Unlike for bicycles, motor scooters, mopeds and speed-pedelecs, there is no EU legislation laying down requirements for LEVs. The Dutch Safety Board (OvV) observes the need for a more targeted framework for the various types of LEV.
The goal of the framework is to ensure that LEVs authorised for use are technically safe, and that they are used safely on the road. This document explains how the Dutch LEV framework is structured and which choices have been made, starting with the relationship between EU rules and the new national framework.