Mopeds more popular among adults

On 1 January last year, moped ownership in the Netherlands totalled 874 thousand vehicles, an increase by 22 percent relative to two years ago. Regular and light mopeds are gaining increasing popularity in the adult population.

More mopeds among over-18s

Since 2007, the microcar, moped and light moped ownership rate has grown across all age groups, save among 16 and 17-year-olds. The popularity boost is predominantly caused by the introduction of (light) moped scooter models.

Most owners of mopeds and light mopeds are young and they use them frequently. Young people aged 16 and 17 account for nearly one quarter of the overall distance covered by (light) mopeds. 

Microcar, moped and light moped owners by age

Microcars popular among older people, young people prefer mopeds

Microcars are an alternative to cars. With nearly 20 thousand, they constituted 2.4 percent of the total number of mopeds in the Netherlands in 2009. More than one third are used by over-65s.

Mopeds are mainly popular among young people. There is more than one moped owner in every ten 16 and 17-year-olds.

Microcar, moped and light moped owners by age, 2009

Light mopeds in the city

In municipalities with a low degree of urbanisation, the moped ownership rate is higher. In rural areas, distances are often longer. Light mopeds are more frequently used in areas with a high urbanisation rate. Proportionally, most mopeds and light mopeds are found on the West Frisian Islands.

Microcar, moped and light moped owners by degree of urbanisation, 2009

Carina Sonntag and Ger Moritz