The risks of shared scooters: How your moped licence could be at risk

The growth of shared scooters in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, shared scooters are increasingly common on the streets, and for good reason. There are now almost 6,000 shared scooters from popular brands such as Felyx, Go Sharing and Check, and the number has increased by as much as 800 per cent since 2020. The Netherlands thus has one of the strongest growth rates in the use of shared scooters worldwide. They offer a quick and convenient mode of transport, especially for short trips and as a solution for last-minute transport needs. But what many people do not realise is that the improper use of a shared scooter also carries significant risks, including the temporary or even permanent loss of your moped licence.

How Jasper temporarily lost his moped driving licence

A good example is Jasper, a student who wanted to get home quickly after a night out. Having missed his last train and it also rained hard, he decided to take a shared scooter. It seemed like the perfect solution to stay dry and get home quickly. Unfortunately, the ride went differently than planned. He drove faster than allowed and was stopped by the police. The officer gave him a fine and asked him to surrender his driving licence for a driving test. This was because his blood alcohol level was also above 1.8, which under the rules at the CBR leads to a mandatory examination.

Why are violations more common with a shared scooter?

A shared scooter is often chosen when you are in a hurry, like Jasper, and it seems like an easy and quick solution. But because of the speed and convenience of the scooter, it is easy to lose sight of traffic rules, such as the speed limit or the prohibition on driving under the influence of alcohol. Because you are fast on the road and feel the responsibility of riding a motor vehicle less than with your own moped, you increase the risk of not thinking carefully about the rules. This can ultimately lead to fines, the loss of your driving licence, and the extra cost of legal proceedings.

The implications for your driving licence

Speeding or driving under the influence of alcohol can result in your moped licence being temporarily or even permanently revoked. This is obviously annoying enough, but the consequences can be much greater if you also have a car or motorbike licence have. In fact, offences while using a shared scooter can also lead to an examination of your driving skills by the CBR, which can affect your other driving licences. Losing your moped licence could be the start of a domino effect, where you also lose your motorbike or car licence compromises. This can significantly limit your mobility and disrupt your daily life.

Keep your theory up to date!

Even if you've had your driving licence for a while, it can't hurt to refresh your theory every now and then. Traffic rules change, and sometimes you just forget all you have learned, especially if you don't drive on a daily basis. Taking a short theory course at a driving school can not only help you get back up to speed with the rules, but it will also make you more responsible on the road. Especially if you are taking a shared scooter, it is good to know what is and is not allowed. Many driving schools in Amsterdam offer fun refresher courses in addition to driving lessons, so you can brush up on your knowledge without a huge time investment.

Be aware of the risks

Share scooters offer a quick and practical solution for short journeys, but using them comes with responsibilities. It is important to be aware of traffic rules and abide by speed and alcohol limits, just as you would with your own moped or car. The convenience of a shared scooter should not tempt you to ignore rules. By driving carefully and responsibly, you can avoid fines and the loss of your licence, and stay mobile without taking unnecessary risks.