The introduction of comes at a time when demand for sustainable and efficient mobility solutions in urban areas has never been greater.
The SELANA Alpha is expected to be the first and only legal e-scooter by the end of 2024. Currently, there are no electric scooters with a throttle legally allowed on Dutch roads. This unique situation is a result of the strict standards set by the RDW (Dutch Vehicle Authority). Dutch startup SELANA is on the eve of a revolutionary change in urban mobility with the unveiling of the first legally approved e-scooter in the Netherlands. The vehicle, the SELANA Alpha, will be launched on the market by the end of 2024 and promises to offer a safe, sustainable and practical alternative to traditional modes of transport such as the car, especially in densely populated urban areas.
throttles
The introduction of the SELANA Alpha marks a major breakthrough in E-mobility in the Netherlands. Until now, electric scooters with throttles were prohibited on Dutch roads, which has led to the massive presence of illegal vehicles. It is estimated that there are currently more than 200.000 illegal E-scooters driving around the country, which can mean a fine of €400 for users, in addition to the confiscation of their vehicle by the police. With the approval of the SELANA Alpha, this comes to an end, and the company finally offers a legal alternative for this popular form of transport.
The new E-step from SELANA is the result of five years of intensive research and development. The founders, CEO Chingiskhan Kazakhstan and COO Max Schalow, are no strangers to the world of E-mobility. With their previous company, Bondi, they managed shared E-bikes in eight different Dutch cities. Now, with the SELANA Alpha, they are taking a new step in their mission to make urban transport more efficient and sustainable.
“We want to offer Dutch consumers a premium, high-quality product that helps them become less dependent on their car,” says Kazakhstan. “This is really the Tesla among E-steps. With a top-quality design, smart technologies and, above all, the legal approval, we have something unique in our hands.”
The SELANA ALpha is expected to be the first and only legal e-step by the end of 2024. There are currently no eSTEPs with a throttle that are allowed to drive on Dutch roads in the Netherlands.
The Alpha stands out not only because of its legal status, but also because of its advanced features. The e-scooter has a maximum speed of 25 km/h, which is exactly within the legal framework for this type of vehicle. SELANA has also pulled out all the stops in terms of safety. The Alpha is equipped with front and rear brakes, indicators and 10-inch pneumatic tires that ensure a stable and comfortable ride, even on uneven terrain. In addition, the scooter offers a number of innovative technologies such as an NFC key card for easy unlocking and GPS tracking for theft protection.
This combination of safety and user-friendly features makes the SELANA Alpha an attractive alternative to the current illegal e-scooters that often do not meet safety requirements. With a price of €1.900, the company also positions itself as an affordable option compared to other popular brands. For example, the VanMoof S5 is considerably more expensive at €3.298. This competitive pricing, combined with the legality and safety of the product, could well ensure that the SELANA Alpha conquers a large market share in a short time.
optimistic
SELANA is optimistic about the future and expects to sell at least 2025 units in the first year after its launch, in 10.000. This forecast seems realistic, especially given the growing demand for alternative, sustainable means of transport in urban areas. According to COO Max Schalow, however, the Alpha is not only aimed at consumers, but can also be of interest to companies and governments that want to invest in green and efficient transport solutions. “After five years of development and more than one million euros in investments, we have not only created the first legal e-scooter, but also the safest in the world,” says Schalow.
pre-order
To support the market launch, SELANA is launching an exclusive pre-order campaign. Consumers who want to get in early can secure their place on the Alpha waiting list with a deposit of just €100, which is fully refundable. The pre-order works on a first-come, first-served basis: the sooner customers sign up, the sooner they will receive their e-scooter once production begins.
Expectations for the SELANA Alpha are high. With the launch in the fourth quarter of 2024, the long waiting period for a legal alternative to the thousands of illegal electric scooters that are now driving around in the Netherlands will come to an end. For many, this means not only a safer, but also a more future-proof means of transport. With this introduction, SELANA seems to be firmly establishing itself as a pioneer in the Dutch market for electric mobility.
