Can You Drive a Scooter in Amsterdam with a B‑License?
Amsterdam is famous for its canals, narrow streets and a traffic mix that includes cars, bicycles, trams and, increasingly, two‑wheel motorized vehicles. If you already hold a B‑type driving licence (the standard Dutch car licence), you may wonder whether that single document is enough to hop on a scooter and zip through the city’s iconic lanes.
In this guide we’ll break down everything you need to know: the legal categories of scooters, the exact conditions under which a B‑license is sufficient, the extra paperwork you might need, and the practicalities of riding in the Dutch capital. By the end you’ll have a clear picture of whether you can legally ride a scooter in Amsterdam with the licence you already own – and what steps to take if you can’t.
1. What Does a B‑License Actually Cover?
A B‑license is the standard licence for driving passenger cars (category B). In the Netherlands it grants you the right to:
| Permission | Maximum vehicle weight | Passenger capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger cars (Category B) | 3 500 kg (gross vehicle weight) | Up to 8 passengers (plus driver) |
| Light vans and trucks (Category B) | Same weight limit, but only if the vehicle’s maximum authorized mass does not exceed 3 500 kg | |
| Trailer (Category B) | Up to 750 kg unladen weight, or more if the combined weight of car + trailer stays under 3 500 kg |
The B‑license does not automatically include the right to operate motorbikes, mopeds or scooters. Those fall under separate categories (AM, A1, A2, A). However, the Dutch road legislation contains a few exceptions that allow a B‑licence holder to ride certain low‑powered two‑wheelers without needing an extra endorsement. Let’s see how that works.
2. Types of Scooters You’ll Encounter in Amsterdam
In everyday language “scooter” can refer to several different machines. Dutch law distinguishes them by engine displacement, continuous power output and maximum speed. Below is a quick rundown of the most common categories you’ll see on the streets of Amsterdam.
| Scooter type | Power limit | Engine size (cc) | Max speed* | License required* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moped (Bromfiets) | ≤ 4 kW (5.4 hp) | ≤ 50 cc (combustion) or ≤ 4 kW electric | ≤ 45 km/h | AM (or B under specific conditions) |
| Light motor scooter (Motorfiets – A1) | ≤ 11 kW (15 hp) | ≤ 125 cc | ≤ 100 km/h | A1 |
| Mid‑range scooter (A2) | ≤ 35 kW (48 hp) | No displacement limit, but power‑to‑weight ratio limited | ≤ 100 km/h | A2 |
| Full‑power scooter (A) | No limit | No limit | No limit (subject to vehicle limits) | A |
| E‑scooter (electrisch brommobiel) | ≤ 0.25 kW (0.34 hp) | – | ≤ 25 km/h | No licence needed (but age ≥ 16) |
| E‑scooter (high‑speed) | ≤ 0.5 kW (0.68 hp) | – | ≤ 45 km/h | AM (or B under certain conditions) |
*Speed limits are the maximum allowed for the vehicle class; actual city traffic may be slower.
The “B‑license exemption” explained
The Dutch Road Traffic Act (Wet verkeer) allows a B‑license holder who has held the licence for at least five years to operate a moped (≤ 45 km/h, ≤ 4 kW) without an extra AM endorsement. The conditions are:
- You have possessed a valid B‑licence for a minimum of five continuous years.
- The vehicle you want to ride fits the moped definition (≤ 4 kW, ≤ 45 km/h).
- You carry a valid insurance policy (mandatory for all motorised two‑wheelers).
- You are at least 21 years old (the minimum age for a B‑licence).
If any of those points are missing, you must obtain an AM licence (the “bromfiets” licence) to ride a moped legally.
3. Step‑by‑Step: How to Ride a Scooter in Amsterdam with a B‑License
If you already meet the five‑year rule, the process is straightforward. If not, you’ll need to add the AM endorsement. Below is a practical checklist that works for both scenarios.
✅ When you already qualify (B‑licence + 5‑year rule)
| Step | What you need to do | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Verify licence age | Check the issuance date on your licence or the RDW (Dutch vehicle authority) portal. | Confirms you meet the 5‑year requirement. |
| 2. Choose an approved moped | Look for a scooter that is ≤ 4 kW and max 45 km/h (most 50 cc mopeds fit). | Only these are covered by the exemption. |
| 3. Register the vehicle | Register the scooter at an RDW inspection point and obtain a kenteken (registration plate). | Dutch law requires registration for any motorised vehicle. |
| 4. Obtain insurance | Purchase at least third‑party liability (WA) insurance; many insurers offer “moped‑only” policies. | Insurance is mandatory; you’ll need the policy number for registration. |
| 5. Get a helmet | While not legally mandatory for mopeds, a helmet is strongly recommended and required for high‑speed e‑scooters. | Safety first – and it will protect you from fines if you ride an e‑scooter later. |
| 6. Familiarise with Amsterdam rules | Review local traffic signs, bike‑lane etiquette, and parking zones. | Avoid fines and stay safe in a city where cyclists dominate the road. |
| 7. Ride! | You are now legally allowed to operate your moped with just your B‑licence. | Enjoy the freedom of two‑wheel mobility. |
🛠️ If you don’t meet the five‑year rule (or want to ride A1‑class scooters)
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Enrol in an AM‑theory course | Available at driving schools (rijschool) across the Netherlands. | 30‑minute theory exam, covering traffic rules for mopeds. |
| 2. Pass the AM practical test (optional) | In practice many riders skip the practical test if they already have B; a practical test is only required for riders under 18. | You’ll be assessed on handling, braking, and manoeuvres. |
| 3. Add the AM endorsement to your licence** | Your driving school will submit the result to the CBR (Central Bureau of Driving Licences). | The licence is updated electronically; no extra card needed. |
| 4. Follow steps 2–7 from the “already qualified” checklist. | The same registration, insurance and safety steps apply. | You now have the full legal right to ride any moped up to 45 km/h. |
4. Amsterdam‑Specific Scooter Rules
Even once you have the correct licence, Amsterdam has its own set of rules that differ slightly from the rest of the country.
| Rule | What you must do | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Use bike lanes whenever possible | Most mopeds are allowed to use fiets‑ en trottoir (bike lanes) but must stay to the right and obey cyclists. | Reduces conflict with cars and protects you from dense traffic. |
| No riding on the sidewalk (except for e‑scooters ≤ 25 km/h) | Mopeds must stay on the road or bike lane; riding on sidewalks can lead to a €180‑€400 fine. | Pedestrians have priority on sidewalks. |
| Parking restrictions | Mopeds must be parked in designated parking bays (often blue‑lined) or on the street curb where a yellow line indicates it’s allowed. | Illegal parking can result in towing and fines. |
| Helmet requirement for high‑speed e‑scooters | For e‑scooters that can reach 45 km/h you must wear a certified helmet. | Safety regulation introduced in 2022. |
| Alcohol limit | Same as for cars: 0.5 ‰ (promille) blood alcohol concentration (BAC). | Riding under the influence carries the same penalties as driving a car drunk. |
| Noise limits | Scooters must not exceed 74 dB(A) at 7.5 m (measured). | Excessive noise can attract a fine and complaints. |
5. Pros & Cons of Using a Scooter in Amsterdam
👍 Advantages
- Speed & Flexibility – You can bypass traffic jams and use bike lanes that are often less congested.
- Parking Ease – Small footprint means you can park almost anywhere a bike can.
- Fuel/Energy Efficiency – Modern scooters (especially electric) are cheap to run and environmentally friendly.
- Fun Factor – The wind in your hair, the freedom of two‑wheel navigation—great for tourism and daily commuting alike.
👎 Drawbacks
- Weather Sensitivity – Rain, wind and cold can make riding uncomfortable or unsafe.
- Limited Carrying Capacity – Unlike a car, you can’t transport bulky items or multiple passengers.
- Safety Risks – Scooters are less visible to larger vehicles and vulnerable in crashes.
- Regulatory Complexity – Keeping track of licence requirements, insurance, and Amsterdam’s bike‑lane rules can be confusing for newcomers.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: I have a Dutch B‑licence for only three years. Can I still ride a 50 cc moped?
No. The exemption only applies after five years of holding a B‑licence. You’ll need to obtain an AM endorsement first.
Q2: Can I ride an electric scooter (≤ 25 km/h) with my B‑licence?
Yes. These low‑speed e‑scooters are classed as “brommobiel” and do not require any licence, provided you are at least 16 years old.
Q3: What if I have a foreign B‑licence (e.g., from the UK) and I’m staying in the Netherlands for a year?
You can ride a moped under the same exemption if your foreign licence has been valid for at least five years and is recognized by the EU. Otherwise, you’ll need to obtain an AM licence in the Netherlands.
Q4: Do I need a helmet for a 50 cc moped?
Legally, no, but wearing a helmet is strongly advised. It significantly reduces the risk of head injury and may lower your insurance premium.
Q5: Are there any age restrictions on the B‑licence exemption?
You must be at least 21 years old (the minimum age to hold a Dutch B‑licence). The five‑year rule also implicitly sets a minimum age of 26 for the exemption to apply.
Q6: Can I rent a scooter through a sharing service with just my B‑licence?
Most scooter‑sharing platforms (e.g., GO Sharing, Felyx) operate low‑speed e‑scooters ≤ 25 km/h, which require no licence. For higher‑speed rentals you’ll need an AM licence or meet the B‑exemption criteria.
Q7: What fines can I expect if I ride a moped without the proper licence?
Fines range from €240 to €400, plus possible impoundment of the vehicle. Re‑offending may lead to a court summons and longer disqualification periods.
Q8: Is a Dutch B‑licence automatically recognized in other EU countries for scooter riding?
Yes, EU regulations allow the same licence categories across member states. However, each country may have its own exemption periods; verify local rules if you travel abroad.
7. Bottom Line – Can You Ride a Scooter in Amsterdam with a B‑Licence?
Short answer: Yes, but only under specific circumstances.
- If you have held a Dutch B‑licence for at least five years, you may legally ride a moped (≤ 4 kW, ≤ 45 km/h) without an additional AM endorsement.
- If you are newer to the B‑licence (or hold a foreign B‑licence that doesn’t meet the five‑year rule), you must obtain an AM licence to ride any motorised scooter up to 45 km/h.
- Low‑speed electric scooters (≤ 25 km/h) do not require any licence at all—just a minimum age of 16.
Once you’ve checked the licence requirement, the next steps are simple: register the scooter, insure it, equip yourself with a helmet, and obey Amsterdam’s bike‑lane and parking regulations.
Riding a scooter can be an efficient, fun, and environmentally friendly way to explore the canals, museums, and cafés of Amsterdam. With the right paperwork and a bit of practice, you’ll be cruising the city’s historic streets in no time—all with the same licence you already hold for your car.
Enjoy the ride, stay safe, and welcome to the Dutch two‑wheel culture! 🚦🛵