Launches First Legal E-Scooter in the Netherlands, Priced at €1,900
The Dutch government has made a landmark decision, approving the use of electric scooters on public roads and bike lanes. This move comes following the legal authorization of the Selana Alpha, the first e-scooter to meet stringent safety standards set by the Dutch national transport authority (RDW).
The Selana Alpha, a product of the combined efforts of co-founders Chingiskhan Kazakhstan and Max Schalow, has earned its place as a legal light motor vehicle. It is now adorned with the first-ever blue license plate, signifying its legality on Dutch roads.
Riders as young as 16 can now enjoy the Selana Alpha's features, which include 10-inch air tyres, dual mechanical drum brakes, full LED lighting with turn indicators, and a smartphone-controlled lock system. The scooter also boasts tech-savvy additions such as an NFC-enabled digital dashboard, a built-in security alarm, and motion detection that issues alerts for theft or crashes.
The Selana Alpha's top speed is capped at 25km/h, in line with Dutch traffic regulations. It offers a range of 45-60km on a single charge, powered by a 576 Wh LG lithium-ion battery that reaches 80% charge in just 2.5 hours.
The scooter's legality comes with certain requirements. Riders must be at least 16 years old, and no helmet or driving license is required. The RDW has introduced new legal provisions for e-scooters, applicable only if they meet strict safety standards and are fitted with a license plate. The license plate costs €18 for existing e-scooters or €50 for new permits, indicating a formal regulatory framework for e-scooter registration and insurance.
This policy shift marks a significant step in the Netherlands' approach to micromobility vehicles like e-scooters. Previously, industry experts, investors, competition, and critics had expressed doubts about the feasibility of getting past the legal hurdles for e-scooters in the Netherlands. However, the co-founders of Selana are proud to have overcome these challenges.
The Selana Alpha is priced at €1,900 and is now available for purchase, marking a new era of sustainable and accessible urban transportation in the Netherlands.
Chingiskhan Kazakhstan and Max Schalow's innovation, the Selana Alpha, has not only revolutionized urban transportation in the Netherlands but also expanded into other domains, blending technology and finance by providing a gadget that merges safety with affordability, priced at €1,900. This development in the industry could pave the way for further advancements in finance, particularly in the micro-credit sector for e-scooter purchasers.
