A moped is a vehicle intermediate between a bicycle and a motorcycle. Most often, a two-wheeled moped, but this category also includes a part of three-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles. The moped can be equipped with a gasoline or electric engine up to 50 cm³ and up to 4 kW. The maximum speed of the moped must be limited by the manufacturer using special technical devices.
In the Netherlands, all mopeds are divided into 2 groups:
- Mopeds (bromfiets). The maximum speed limited by the manufacturer is 45 km/h. Appeared in 1940.
- Light mopeds (snorfiets), sometimes such mopeds are called special. The maximum speed is limited to 25 km/h. The vehicle appeared on the roads in 1973. At that time, moped drivers were required to wear a helmet, which caused discontent among villagers wearing traditional clothes and women with elaborate hairstyles. Sales of mopeds plummeted, and a new version of the moped was developed, which can be controlled without wearing a helmet.
The rules for the use of mopeds are set by the municipalities. Sometimes they may differ from the generally accepted ones, so when riding a moped outside your area, it makes sense to find out if there are any special rules on the route.
Let us consider in more detail the differences in the rules for operating mopeds and light mopeds.
Who can drive a moped?
To drive a moped (any), you must be over 16 years old and have a driver's license. To drive a moped in the rights category AM opens. Those who have a driving license for a car (category B) or a motorcycle (category A, A1 or A2) can drive a moped on their license without opening an additional category.
The theoretical exam can be taken from the age of 15,5. The practical driving test and obtaining a license becomes available from the age of 16.
Currently, to drive some special mopeds, such as Segway, Stint and Trikke, no driver's license required. However, new rules are being developed and the relaxation is expected to be lifted.
What lanes can you drive on?
Mopeds usually have to drive in lanes reserved for mainstream traffic. Light mopeds must generally travel in the lane reserved for bicycles and mopeds, marked with the road sign G12a:
In the absence of such a lane, light mopeds can ride on the carriageway.
Since the rules are set by the municipalities, sometimes light moped riders can ride on the cycle path (traffic sign G11):
Sometimes this is prohibited - such restrictions are indicated by road signs D103 and D104:
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On the paths for pedestrians and cyclists marked with the road sign G13:
only light mopeds with an electric motor can ride. If the engine is gasoline, it must be turned off - the moped can only be pushed along such a path.
full speed
The speed of an ordinary moped on cycle and moped paths is no more than 30 km/h in populated areas and 40 km/h outside them. On the roadway - 45 km / h. Light mopeds must move no faster than 25 km/h on any lane of the road.
Should I wear a helmet?
In most cases, only moped riders are required to wear a helmet, owners of light mopeds are exempted from this. However, since April 8, 2019 in Amsterdam, a helmet has become mandatory for drivers of light mopeds. In addition, they were banned from using bicycle lanes in this municipality. It is expected that over time the same changes will occur throughout the country.
Number plates
All mopeds in the Netherlands must be equipped with a license plate. Mopeds have a yellow sign with a black number, light mopeds have a blue and white sign.
Transportation of children
If children under 8 years of age are transported on the moped, they must have sufficient support for their back, arms and legs. In addition, they must wear a suitable helmet. This rule applies when transporting children on both types of mopeds. Usually, for the safety of children, a special child seat is used on a moped.
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Publication Date: 24.06.2022
