Kopen & importeren.

Originele tekst, licht ingekort

So you want to buy a scooter? Here are some tips.

As you probably know there are different kinds of scooters. Basically you can say: motorscooters (bigger than 50cc) and mopeds (50cc). For the first you need a motorcycle license in Holland (motorrijbewijs). For the moped you have to be 16 and sometimes you need a license too (bromfiets certificaat - easy to get), unless you have a car or motor license, then you don't need one.

Before you buy an imported moped (50cc)

In Holland you sometimes get offered Italian imported mopeds. Most are 50cc's from the 70's or 60's. It is very hard to resist these little seducers. They look so much better than a 1980's PK50. But before you get one: we think that you should be aware of the fact that these nice mopeds are - according to some people - not road legal in Holland!! Officially they were never sold over here and they don't have the NL approval stamp on the steering column. Apparently this is no longer a problem since 1992. Without any problem you get an insurance for them, but what will happen when you get involved in an accident? It is therefore wise for you to do some research on what is and what isn't road legal.

We already experienced what will happen when you get stopped by the police for a traffic control. Some people had to walk home without their beloved scoot. Of course you can ride them. It's up to you, but be aware of the legal grey area.

OK - news just in - apparently there is a way to get these to be legal. Not sure of the process but you'll have to do some work to find out. First place to check I think would be the RDW.

Where to look

Marktplaats - great site for finding vespas - definitely the best. Also: Via Via, Vondst, the for-sale pages of Vespa Club Noord Holland and Vespa Club Brabant, Motoplanet.nl (get stuff regularly from Italy) and PaBe Scooters Amsterdam.

The one and only shop in Amsterdam - Van Laar in Osdorp, just outside the ring road. Not the cheapest but they only sell good solid scooters - also for all new Vespa types.

TIP: In general be very careful and take a good inspection before you buy! Some scoots are not as good as they seem. A good paintjob doesn't make a good scooter!

Importing a scooter from the UK (or elsewhere)

If buying from a dealer the scooter should be bought "for personal export". It will then be free of VAT, provided it is exported within the prescribed period. It will come with an invoice, an export registration document and a tax disc. If buying from an individual, make sure they have properly completed the registration documents that have to be submitted to the UK licensing authority (DVLC) upon transfer. The registration documents only record the "keeper" of a vehicle, not the legal owner, so don't buy if the person or circumstances don't seem genuine.

Once in the Netherlands, the vehicle must be insured. Then make an appointment for inspection with the RDW, have the vehicle weighed first, and bring your driving licence, passport, proof of residence, weight certificate, invoice, registration documents, export certificate and insurance documentation. After the inspection, take the paperwork to the Douane to pay VAT and BPM - these taxes are not payable if the vehicle is more than 25 years old. A short while later a registration number is issued through the post.

Note: it is illegal for a Dutch resident to use a vehicle on the road while it remains on a foreign number plate.