The (light-)moped as a vehicle category
Around 1950, the moped was introduced in the Netherlands as a 'bicycle with auxiliary engine'. In 1958, an urban speed limit of 30 km/h and a non-urban limit of 40 km/h were set. The minimum age for riding a moped is 16. In 1975, wearing a helmet was made compulsory for both rider and passenger. These days a moped is no longer a bicycle with auxiliary engine, but has developed into a real motor vehicle with a technically limited speed of 45 km/h. Especially the scooter model has become very popular. Many mopeds are tuned up, after which they can easily reach speeds of around 80 km/h. From 1999 onward, the moped is no longer allowed to use the bicycle lane in urban areas, but must use the carriageway instead.
In 1976, the light-moped was introduced as a separate vehicle category, once more intended as a bicycle with auxiliary engine. The minimum age for riding it also is 16. The light-moped has a technically limited speed of 25 km/h and its speed limit, urban as well as non-urban, is also set at 25 km/h. Light-mopeds have no compulsory helmet use. Initially, the light-moped was indeed a real bicycle with auxiliary engine. From 1984, the distinction between mopeds and light-mopeds became less clear, when pedals were no longer compulsory for either vehicle. In 1998, the lack of clarity further increased when mopeds and light-mopeds no longer needed to carry yellow, respectively orange plates, and a yellow/orange sticker was sufficient. The licensing of (light-)mopeds, which commenced in 2005, improved the distinction somewhat. Like mopeds, light-mopeds are often tuned up. The light-moped uses the bicycle lane both in urban and rural areas.
