Tag Archive: Dutch LEV-Framework

  1. LEVA-EU is Hosting an Open Industry Meeting on the Dutch LEV Framework – Members and Non-Members Welcome

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    The Netherlands is pushing ahead with a national type-approval scheme for light electric vehicles — not driven by evidence of safety failures, but by political symbolism following an accident with an entirely different vehicle type. LEVA-EU is organising an open online meeting to explain what the Dutch LEV framework means for your business and to present a concrete plan to stop it. The meeting is open to all companies in the sector, whether or not they are LEVA-EU members.

    Background

    Seven years after the Stint accident — whose cause was never established, and whose directors were cleared of intentional wrongdoing by a court in February 2026 — the Netherlands is still pressing ahead with its so-called LEV framework. The scheme would require electric scooters and (e)cargo bikes above 75 kg to obtain a national type-approval from the RDW.

    The problem is fundamental: the Stint was a completely different vehicle type. The vehicles targeted by the LEV framework are already subject to comprehensive EU legislation — the Machinery Directive, EMC, RoHS, the Battery Regulation — and to European standards ampng which the EN 17860 -series developed under the coordination of NEN, the Dutch standardisation institute. No structural safety incidents have occurred, in the Netherlands or in any other EU member state where the same vehicles circulate without a comparable framework.

    Three governments have come and gone, and for the fourth government the LEV framework remains unfinished — supported by a growing library of studies and reports, yet with no demonstrated safety benefit. What has been established, with increasing clarity, is the damage it will cause to the sector.

    Why This Affects Your Business

    This is not a distant regulatory concern. If the Dutch LEV framework is adopted, the consequences for your business are direct and concrete:

    • Additional costs — a costly Dutch type-approval on top of existing EU certification, for a market of just 18.4 million people.
    • RDW monopoly — the RDW sets the technical requirements and carries out the inspections. LEVA-EU questions whether this is compatible with NMA and DG Comp competition rules.
    • Market fragmentation — manufacturers would need to develop Netherlands-specific vehicle variants, adding cost and reducing model availability. Single market, anybody?
    • No sector dialogue — four governments have passed without any structured consultation with the LEV industry. Survey responses for research reports do not qualify as dialogue.

    The Dutch framework does not stop at the Dutch border. If it is allowed to stand, it sets a precedent. Other Member States may follow. The fragmentation of the European single market for LEVs — vehicle by vehicle, country by country — is a real and present risk. This is not a Dutch problem. It is a European one.

    Meeting Details

    The meeting will take place on Wednesday 27 May 2026 at 3.30 pm CET. It’s an online meeting only and participation is free.

    This meeting is open to all manufacturers, importers, distributors and dealers of electric scooters and (e)cargo bikes — regardless of whether you are a LEVA-EU member, and regardless of your country of origin.

    To participate, you just need to register by sending a quick mail to state your interest to annick@leva-eu.com. You will receive the link to the meeting shortly before the start of the meeting.

    What the Meeting Will Cover

    At the meeting, LEVA-EU will:

    • Explain clearly what the Dutch LEV framework is — what it requires, which vehicles it targets, and what the timeline looks like
    • Set out the risks for manufacturers, importers, distributors and dealers across Europe
    • Present a concrete action plan to challenge the framework, both with the Dutch authorities and before the European Commission

    This is not a passive information session. It is the starting point of a coordinated industry response — and the strength of that response depends entirely on how many companies show up. The more companies that attend, the stronger the collective signal.

    If you manufacture, import, distribute or sell electric scooters or (e)cargo bikes — in the Netherlands or anywhere else in Europe — this concerns you. Register now and help LEVA-EU make the case that cannot be dismissed.

    Send your registration to annick@leva-eu.com and include:

    • Company name
    • Activity (manufacturer, importer, distributor, dealer…)
    • Brand(s) and vehicle types (e-scooters, (e)cargo bikes, or both)
    • Name, job title and email of participant(s)

  2. Petition for Withdrawal Dutch LEV- Framework to Close Next Friday: Sign Now!

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    So far, 60 companies have signed the LEVA-EU petition for the withdrawal of the Dutch LEV-Framework. The petition will close on 24 January. It only takes a few minutes to sign. So, don’t miss out on this opportunity to keep the Dutch market open for electric cargobikes, e-scooters and self-balancing vehicles.

    Should the Netherlands go ahead with the framework, it will become much more difficult to put these vehicles on the market there. The LEVA-EU petition is addressed to the Dutch Minister, Barry Madlener, and Secretary of State, Chris Jansen, responsible for Infrastructure and Water Management and argues that the current draft contradicts established EU legislation, undermines the principles of the European Single Market, and ignores years of expert-driven standardisation work and key stakeholder engagement.

    Sign the petition here: https://form.jotform.com/243504659084360

    Over the past years, the Dutch government has prepared a comprehensive regulatory technical framework intended to govern various LEVs—including electric cargocycles, e-scooters, and self-balancing vehicles. While acknowledging the importance of road safety, LEVA-EU asserts that the framework, as it stands, will stifle innovation and restrict the availability of sustainable transport options, hindering the transition to cleaner mobility.

    The planned technical requirements in the LEV framework are largely derived from the type-approval legislation for L-category vehicles. However, the vehicles in the LEV framework are excluded from the L-category on the basis of Article 2.2 of Regulation 168/2013, precisely because the technical requirements are not suitable for these vehicles. By now making the rules for the L-category applicable via the LEV framework, to vehicles that are excluded from the L-category by the EU, the Netherlands is going against European legislation. This also goes against the principle of the single market and therefore unnecessarily creates an illegal obstacle for manufacturers in the Netherlands and abroad to put vehicles on the Dutch market.

    The current plans completely ignore the existing harmonised EU legislation. In all Member States, including the Netherlands, the vehicles excluded from Regulation 168/2013 following Article 2.2, are subject to the Machinery Directive/Regulation, the EMC and RoHS Directive and the Battery Regulation. Vehicles that do not meet the safety requirements of this legislation can simply be removed from the market. This is currently happening in the Netherlands, for example, with the so-called “fat bikes”, legally electric bicycles with pedal assistance up to 25 km/h and 250W, excluded from Regulation 168/2013 based on Article 2.2(h) and therefore subject to the Machinery, EMC and RoHS Directives. Several thousands of these fat bikes have been recently seized because they don’t comply with the stated legislation. Instead of imposing the LEV-framework, the same surveillance activities could be deployed for the LEVs involved to remove illegal vehicles from the market.

    In addition, this harmonised legislation has been supplemented with European technical standards that specify detailed technical requirements and tests for the vehicles concerned. For electric scooters and self-balancing vehicles, this is EN 17128, which is currently being revised. For electric cargo bikes, a series of 7 standards has just been completed, under the title EN 17860, by CEN TC333-WG9. Dozens of experts from the European sector have worked intensively on these standards for four years, under the leadership of a secretariat provided by the Dutch standardisation institute NEN. Moreover, the convenor of this working group is also Dutch! The fact that this work has been completely ignored in the development of the LEV-framework is downright incomprehensible and disrespectful.

    Many other countries, including neighbouring Belgium, allow the vehicles in question on public roads without further technical requirements. These countries accept the Machine, EMC and RoHS directives as the applicable harmonised legislation and strictly limit themselves to the mere conditions of use. In these countries, there are no structural safety problems with the vehicles in question. Incidentally, the Netherlands does the same for electric bicycles (2 wheels) with pedal assistance up to 25 km/h and 250W. There are no additional Dutch technical requirements for these vehicles, while there are millions of them on the road. As indicated, the current Dutch government has chosen the right path by tackling the problems with fat bikes on the basis of the Machine, EMC and RoHS Directives. LEVA-EU urges that the same sensible approach be taken for electric scooters, self-balancing vehicles with and without steering and electric cargo bikes.

    Finally, LEVA-EU also asks for the Minister and Secretary of State to take note of the recent recommendations of the Expert Group on Urban Mobility, which have been endorsed by the Commission. These recommendations state: “The Commission must develop harmonized technical legislation and mandate related standards, specifically for light electric vehicles in close consultation with the light electric vehicle sector.” A purely Dutch initiative to develop technical legislation for just a few LEV-types is not in line with this recommendation. Instead, LEVA-EU argues, the Netherlands should work with the Commission to realise this harmonised technical legislation in close consultation with the LEV-sector.

    LEVA-EU also emphasises that in the development of the Dutch LEV framework, the real stakeholders have been systematically ignored. The trade association hopes that by responding to the petition, the two politicians will also rectify this important shortcoming and accept to have an in-depth consultation with the sector and the relevant companies involved.

    Key Requests of the Petition:

    • Immediate Withdrawal of the Proposed LEV Framework: Abandon the current measures that conflict with EU law and harm market harmonization.
    • Adherence to Existing EU Directives and Standards: Align Dutch policy with established European standards and directives, which already provide clear, unified safety requirements.
    • Close Collaboration with the EU and LEV Sector: Work jointly with the European Commission and industry experts to develop consistent, long-term regulations.
    • Inclusive Stakeholder Consultation: Engage in comprehensive dialogue with sector representatives to foster policies that encourage innovation, ensure safety, and bolster sustainability.

    Conclusion:
    LEVA-EU calls on the Dutch Minister and Secretary of State for Infrastructure and Water Management to reconsider the current approach, comply with EU legislation and best practices, and pursue an inclusive, future-oriented path. By doing so, LEVA-EU argues, the Netherlands can uphold its reputation as a leader in sustainable, forward-thinking mobility solutions.

    Petitioners’ Requests:

    • Immediate Withdrawal: Stop enforcement of the current LEV Framework proposal that contradicts EU law and lacks stakeholder input.
    • Alignment with EU Directives and Standards: Follow existing EU rules and recognized European standards that are already proven and effective.
    • Collaboration at EU Level: Work closely with the European Commission and industry stakeholders to develop harmonized, future-proof LEV legislation.
    • Inclusive Consultation: Engage in thorough dialogue with sector experts to ensure that the Dutch LEV policy remains safe, innovative, and sustainable.

    Any company, organisation or individual that wishes to support the call for the withdrawal of the LEV-Framework is invited to sign the petition below:

  3. Sign Now: Petition for Withdrawal Dutch LEV- Framework

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    LEVA-EU has issued a petition urging the Dutch Minister, Barry Madlener, and Secretary of State, Chris Jansen, responsible for Infrastructure and Water Management to withdraw the Dutch LEV Framework. The petition argues that the current draft contradicts established EU legislation, undermines the principles of the European Single Market, and ignores years of expert-driven standardisation work and key stakeholder engagement.

    Sign the petition here: https://form.jotform.com/243504659084360

    Over the past years, the Dutch government has prepared a comprehensive regulatory technical framework intended to govern various LEVs—including electric cargocycles, e-scooters, and self-balancing vehicles. While acknowledging the importance of road safety, LEVA-EU asserts that the framework, as it stands, will stifle innovation and restrict the availability of sustainable transport options, hindering the transition to cleaner mobility.

    The planned technical requirements in the LEV framework are largely derived from the homologation legislation for L-category vehicles. However, the vehicles in the LEV framework are excluded from the L-category on the basis of Article 2.2 of Regulation 168/2013, precisely because the technical requirements are not suitable for these vehicles. By now making the rules for the L-category applicable via the LEV framework to vehicles that are excluded from the L-category by the EU, the Netherlands is going against European legislation. This also goes against the principle of the single market and therefore unnecessarily creates an illegal obstacle for manufacturers in the Netherlands and abroad to put vehicles on the Dutch market.

    The current plans completely ignore the existing harmonised EU legislation. In all Member States, including the Netherlands, the vehicles excluded from Regulation 168/2013 following Article 2.2, are subject to the Machinery Directive/Regulation, the EMC and RoHS Directive and the Battery Regulation. Vehicles that do not meet the safety requirements of this legislation can simply be removed from the market. This is currently happening in the Netherlands, for example, with the so-called “fat bikes”, legally electric bicycles with pedal assistance up to 25 km/h and 250W, excluded from Regulation 168/2013 on the basis of Article 2.2(h) and therefore subject to the Machinery, EMC and RoHS Directives. Several thousands of these fat bikes have been recently seized, based on the fact that they don’t comply with the stated legislation.

    In addition, this harmonised legislation has been supplemented with European technical standards that specify detailed technical requirements and tests for the vehicles concerned. For electric scooters and self-balancing vehicles, this is EN 17128, which is currently being revised. For electric cargo bikes, a series of 7 standards has just been completed, under the title EN 17860, by CEN TC333-WG9. Dozens of experts from the European sector have worked intensively on these standards for four years under the leadership of a secretariat that was provided by the Dutch standardisation institute NEN. Moreover, the convenor of this working group is also Dutch! The fact that this work has been completely ignored in the development of the LEV framework is downright incomprehensible and disrespectful.

    Many other countries, including neighbouring Belgium, allow the vehicles in question on public roads without further technical requirements. These countries accept the Machine, EMC and RoHS directives as the applicable harmonised legislation and strictly limit themselves to the mere conditions of use. In these countries, there are no structural safety problems with the vehicles in question. Incidentally, the Netherlands does the same for electric bicycles (2 wheels) with pedal assistance up to 25 km/h and 250W. There are no additional Dutch technical requirements for these vehicles, while there are millions of them on the road. As indicated, the current Dutch government has chosen the right path by tackling the problems with fat bikes on the basis of the Machine, EMC and RoHS directives. LEVA-EU urges that the same sensible approach be taken for electric scooters, self-balancing vehicles with and without steering and electric cargo bikes.

    Finally, LEVA-EU also asks for the Minister and Secretary of State to take note of the recent recommendations of the Expert Group on Urban Mobility, which have been endorsed by the Commission. These recommendations state: “The Commission must develop harmonized technical legislation and mandate related standards, specifically for light electric vehicles in close consultation with the light electric vehicle sector.” A purely Dutch initiative to develop technical legislation for just a few LEV-types is not in line with this recommendation. Instead, LEVA-EU argues, the Netherlands should work with the Commission to realise this harmonised technical legislation in close consultation with the LEV sector.

    LEVA-EU also emphasises that in the development of the Dutch LEV framework, the real stakeholders have been systematically ignored. The trade association hopes that by responding to the petition, the two politicians will also rectify this important shortcoming and accept to have an in-depth consultation with the sector and the relevant companies involved.

    Key Requests of the Petition:

    • Immediate Withdrawal of the Proposed LEV Framework: Abandon the current measures that conflict with EU law and harm market harmonization.
    • Adherence to Existing EU Directives and Standards: Align Dutch policy with established European standards and directives, which already provide clear, unified safety requirements.
    • Close Collaboration with the EU and LEV Sector: Work jointly with the European Commission and industry experts to develop consistent, long-term regulations.
    • Inclusive Stakeholder Consultation: Engage in comprehensive dialogue with sector representatives to foster policies that encourage innovation, ensure safety, and bolster sustainability.

    Conclusion:
    LEVA-EU calls on the Dutch Minister and Secretary of State for Infrastructure and Water Management to reconsider the current approach, comply with EU legislation and best practices, and pursue an inclusive, future-oriented path. By doing so, LEVA-EU argues, the Netherlands can uphold its reputation as a leader in sustainable, forward-thinking mobility solutions.

    Petitioners’ Requests:

    • Immediate Withdrawal: Stop enforcement of the current LEV Framework proposal that contradicts EU law and lacks stakeholder input.
    • Alignment with EU Directives and Standards: Follow existing EU rules and recognized European standards that are already proven and effective.
    • Collaboration at EU Level: Work closely with the European Commission and industry stakeholders to develop harmonized, future-proof LEV legislation.
    • Inclusive Consultation: Engage in thorough dialogue with sector experts to ensure that the Dutch LEV policy remains safe, innovative, and sustainable.

    Any company, organisation or individual that wishes to support the call for the withdrawal of the LEV-Framework is invited to sign the petition below:

  4. Dutch LEV framework postponed yet again

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    The RAI Association, the Dutch professional organization for (e-)bike manufacturers, has announced that the Dutch LEV framework has once again been postponed until July 2025. Until recently, January 1, 2025, was the proposed date. Meanwhile, the new government and the new parliament are not exactly showing much interest in the matter.

    From July next year, e-scooters and (e-)cargo bikes, among others, will be subject to a mandatory inspection by the RDW (Netherlands Type-Approval Authority) based solely on Dutch technical requirements. In addition, the Netherlands is working on national road use conditions for so-called Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs). For example, cargo bike riders would need to hold an AM (moped) license, and all LEVs, including scooters, would be required to have a license plate.

    Over the past few years, LEVA-EU, together with ICBF, the LEV knowledge center, and Legaal Rijden, has consistently protested against these specifically national regulations. According to LEVA-EU, the Dutch technical requirements not only complicate access to the Dutch market, but also hinder the sustainability of mobility by limiting the growth of LEVs.

    In countries such as Belgium and France, for example, both e-scooters and (e-)cargo bikes are required to meet the Machinery Directive, the EMC Directive (Electromagnetic Compatibility), and the RoHS Directive (Restriction of Hazardous Substances). Belgium and France do not impose additional technical requirements for their use on public roads, which does not result in structural safety issues. This demonstrates that the harmonised European technical framework is sufficient to ensure the safety of these vehicles.

    Development of European standards

    At the European level, standards for (e-)cargo bikes are currently being developed within CEN (European Committee for Standardization) to facilitate the application of the Machinery Directive. Ironically, the secretariat of this CEN working group is led by NEN, the Dutch standardization institute. For e-scooters, a European standard has existed for some time, and its revision has recently begun. This makes the development of specific Dutch requirements all the more questionable, according to LEVA-EU.

    The Stint incident and political pressure

    The origin of the strict Dutch LEV framework lies in a tragic accident involving a Stint several years ago, in which several children died. Although the cause of the accident was never found, the LEV framework seems to be a political response to show strength to the public. LEVA-EU emphasizes that e-scooters and cargo bikes have no connection to the vehicle type to which the Stint belongs.

    Political impasse

    LEVA-EU hopes that the new Dutch government and parliament will opt for a drastic course change and scrap the technical approval framework for LEVs. The organisation claims that previous policymakers systematically rejected any requests for a dialogue with the companies directly involved.

    A recent invitation from LEVA-EU to use the upcoming ICBF (International Cargo Bike Festival) to exchange ideas with cargo bike companies was once again rejected by Chris Jansen, the new State Secretary for Infrastructure and Water Management. Only three of the 29 members of the parliamentary committee responded to LEVA-EU’s invitation, of which only one member promised to review their agenda for a possible meeting after the ICBF. Neither the chairman nor the vice-chairman of the committee responded. LEVA-EU concludes that the LEV framework still does not appear to be a priority for the relevant policymakers.