Amsterdam Guide

Exploring Amsterdam with Rental Scooters: A Convenient and Eco-Friendly Way to Get Around

Amsterdam is known for its beautiful canals, rich history, and vibrant culture. It’s also a city that loves modern, eco-friendly transport. If you want to explore the city in a quick and fun way, electric scooters are one of the best options. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, these scooters are super popular for zipping around the city. Here’s what you need to know to get started!

What Scooters Can You Use in Amsterdam?

There are a bunch of scooter-sharing services you can use in Amsterdam. Each has its own app and features, so here’s a quick look at the most popular ones:

1. Lime: Lime is one of the biggest scooter companies, and you’ll see their green scooters all around Amsterdam. They’re super easy to rent using the app and pretty much everywhere in the city.
2. Felyx: A local Dutch brand, Felyx has both electric scooters and cars for rent. Their scooters are bright orange, making them hard to miss, and they’re often found in the city center.
3. TIER: TIER is another popular option, offering electric scooters all over Amsterdam. The app is user-friendly, and their scooters are well-maintained.
4. Dott: Dott is growing in popularity, with a focus on eco-friendly transport. Their scooters are easy to spot with the brand’s distinctive colors, and they’re usually found near transport hubs.
5. Circ: Circ has recently joined the scene and offers high-quality scooters. Their red-and-black branding makes them easy to spot, and they’re a good choice for both tourists and locals.

How to Rent a Scooter

Renting a scooter in Amsterdam is pretty simple. Here’s how you do it:

1. Download the App: First, you’ll need to get the app for the scooter company of your choice. Options include Lime, Felyx, TIER, Dott, or Circ. These apps are free and available for both iOS and Android.
2. Sign Up: Once you’ve downloaded the app, sign up with your details. You’ll need to add a payment method, like a credit card. Verify your age; you need to be at least 18 to rent a scooter.
3. Find a Scooter: Open the app, and it’ll show you a map with nearby scooters. You can pick the one that’s closest to you.
4. Unlock the Scooter: When you’re near the scooter, use the app to scan the QR code on it. This will unlock it for you, and you’re ready to go!
5. Ride and End the Trip: After you’ve unlocked the scooter, you can start riding. Most of the scooters go up to about 25 km/h (15 mph), so you can easily cruise around the city. When you’re done, just park it in a designated area and end the ride using the app.
   
   

Things to Keep in Mind

Before you hop on, here are a few things you should know to stay safe and avoid fines:

1. Stick to Bike Lanes: Amsterdam has amazing bike lanes, and electric scooters are treated like bikes. Make sure you ride in the bike lanes (not on the sidewalks) to stay safe and avoid getting fined.
2. Follow the Rules: Just like with bikes, you need to follow traffic rules. Stop at red lights, be careful when crossing streets, and always be aware of pedestrians and other cyclists.
3. Wear a Helmet: While wearing a helmet isn’t mandatory, it’s always a good idea for safety. Some scooter services offer helmets for rent, but it’s worth checking if this option is available.
4. Check the Scooter: Before you take off, give the scooter a quick check. Make sure the tires are fine, the brakes work, and everything looks good. If something’s wrong, report it in the app and grab another scooter.
5. Where to Park: Once you’re done riding, make sure to park the scooter properly. Don’t block sidewalks or doors, and try to leave it in a designated parking area. Some services have strict rules about this, and not following them might cost you extra.
6. Cost: Renting a scooter usually means a small unlocking fee (around €1) plus a per-minute charge (usually €0.25 to €0.40). Prices can vary depending on the service and location, so it’s always good to check the app for details before you ride.

Other Ways to Get Around Amsterdam

While electric scooters are awesome, there are other cool ways to explore Amsterdam:

1. Bikes: Amsterdam is famous for its bike culture. There are bikes everywhere, and renting one is super easy. You can rent bikes from stations like OV-fiets (available at train stations) or other local bike shops.
2. Public Transport: Amsterdam has a great public transport system with trams, buses, and metro lines run by GVB. You can use the GVB app or grab an I Amsterdam City Card for unlimited access to all public transport during your visit.
3. Canal Cruises: Want to see the city from the water? Canal cruises are a relaxing and scenic way to check out Amsterdam’s famous canals and landmarks. You can hop on a boat tour or rent a private boat if you’re feeling adventurous!
4. Walking: Many of Amsterdam’s top spots are within walking distance from each other. Whether you’re strolling through the Jordaan district or wandering by the canals, walking is a great way to really soak in the city’s charm.
   
   

Wrapping Up

Electric scooters are a great way to zip around Amsterdam – they’re fun, easy, and eco-friendly! With just a few taps on your phone, you can be cruising around the city, enjoying the sights, and getting from one place to another in no time. Just be sure to follow the rules, keep an eye out for pedestrians, and check the scooter before you ride. If you want even more options, you can also try biking, taking public transport, or hopping on a canal cruise. Whatever you choose, you’ll have a blast exploring Amsterdam!