As a pioneer of green mobility in Europe, the Netherlands made an unexpected move in early 2025 by revising its fiscal policy to place electric motorcycles in the same tax bracket as traditional gas-powered bikes. This change pushed the purchase tax on electric motorcycles up to 19.4% and removed previous incentives such as road tax exemptions — a heavy blow to the rapidly growing electric motorcycle sector.
The timing couldn’t have been worse. The European electric motorcycle market has been booming, with both new players like Zero and Super Soco and established names like Kawasaki and BMW investing heavily in electric vehicle development. Riders have increasingly embraced the instant torque and eco-friendly benefits of electric motorcycles, fueling strong consumer demand.
Responding to pressure from industry groups such as the RAI Association, the Dutch Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management reversed course by mid-2025. Under the updated policy, the purchase tax for electric motorcycles was reduced to a flat rate of €200 — retroactive to January 1, 2025. Tom Crooijmans, head of RAI’s motorcycle division, praised the move as “a timely and effective policy correction.”
Industry analysts say this policy reversal sets a powerful example across Europe. As a country known for its leadership in transportation innovation, the Netherlands' course correction could inspire other EU nations to reevaluate their own support for electric two-wheelers. With zero emissions, low noise, and unmatched convenience for city commuting, electric motorcycles are poised to become a key pillar of sustainable urban transportation.
