Is this the end of the delivery scooter?

Scooters, cars and (van) buses: maximum 30 km per hour in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam is known for its canals, historic architecture and vibrant street life. But the city has also faced a growing challenge in recent years: traffic congestion and the need for sustainable mobility. As part of its ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life, Amsterdam has taken a drastic step by introducing a new 30 km/h speed limit for scooters, cars and (delivery) buses. At the moment, Amsterdammers hardly notice it, but behind the scenes, people are working diligently to get the new speed limit in place on Friday morning, 8 December.

But what exactly does this change mean for the city? And is Amsterdam about to set an example for other cities in the Netherlands?

An important step in sustainability

When it comes to sustainability and environmental awareness, Amsterdam leads the way. The new speed limit is a further step in that direction. Reducing the speed limit to 30 km/h will not only improve road safety but also improve air quality. This is a clear message: Amsterdam is committed to reducing harmful emissions and embracing green mobility.

On some roads, the speed limit is maintained at 50 kilometres per hour or higher. In these cases, the higher speed limit still constitutes an appropriate exception, taking into account the use, road layout and/or environment. 

In general, the further you are from the city centre, the higher the permitted speed.

Safety first

One of the main reasons behind this speed limit is increased safety on Amsterdam's roads. With lower speeds, drivers have more time to react to unexpected situations and accidents are less serious. This will not only reduce the number of road accidents, but also mitigate their consequences, which can save lives.

Less noise, less stress

Lower speeds also result in less traffic noise, which significantly improves the quality of life of Amsterdam residents. Less noise contributes to a quieter, more relaxed urban environment and this in turn has a positive effect on the health and well-being of residents.

Encouraging sustainable mobility

The 30 km/h speed limit encourages sustainable mobility solutions on. Cyclists and pedestrians feel safer on the road, further enhancing Amsterdam's cycling culture. Moreover, using public transport becomes more attractive, as buses now have to follow the same speed rules. This encourages the shift to cleaner and more efficient modes of transport.

Amsterdam as an example

Amsterdam has always played a leading role when it comes to urban innovation and sustainability. With this new speed limit, the city once again places itself at the forefront of cities striving for a better future. The measure may inspire other cities to consider similar initiatives to create healthier, safer and more liveable urban areas.

Amsterdam is determined to uphold its reputation as a progressive and environmentally conscious city. With the new 30 km/h speed limit, the city is taking an important step towards a sustainable and safe future.

Critical note: the impact on road users

Although Amsterdam is taking an important step towards a sustainable and safe future, not everyone is happy with the new speed limit. The introduction of a 30 km/h rule in Amsterdam has several implications for the delivery industry, including food delivery and parcel delivery companies. Here are some of the main implications:

• Delays in delivery: with lower speed limits on roads, delivery may take longer than before. Delivery services must take these delays into account when planning routes and estimating delivery times.
  
  
• Efficiency and costs: Longer delivery times can lead to increased labour costs and fuel consumption. Delivery companies should rethink their operational processes and possibly invest in more efficient vehicles, such as electric bikes, to control costs.
  
  
• Traffic congestion: although the speed limit improves road safety, it can also increase traffic congestion, as vehicles move more slowly. This can cause delays for delivery drivers, which can again affect delivery times and efficiency.
  
  

The electric bike as a solution

In short, the 30 km/h rule in Amsterdam is forcing the meal delivery sector to adapt to a new traffic environment with lower speed limits. Returning to the question, "So is this the end of the delivery scooter?" With the introduction of the 30km/h rule on 8 December 2023, the city will be forced to say goodbye to an iconic mode of transport that has dominated for decades. This may bring challenges, but it also presents opportunities for innovation and sustainability within meal delivery, with a focus on more efficient and environmentally friendly delivery methods, such as electric bikes. Electric bikes offer several advantages over scooters, especially in urban environments. Some of these benefits include:

• Cost savings: Electric bikes are much cheaper to use than fuel-powered scooters. They only require electricity to charge, which is significantly cheaper than petrol. Moreover, maintenance costs are usually lower.
  
  

• Health and exercise: Cycling is a form of exercise and contributes to a more active lifestyle. Using an electric bike encourages people to cycle more and can promote health.
  
  
• Low-noise: Electric bikes are quiet and do not cause noise pollution. This contributes to a quieter and more pleasant urban environment.
  
  
• Mobility and parking issues: Electric bikes are often more convenient to park than scooters because they take up less space. They can manoeuvre more easily through traffic jams and narrow streets.
  
  

The 30-km/h rule is an important step towards a safer, cleaner and more sustainable urban environment. It is expected to set an example for other cities in the Netherlands, as well as abroad, that are considering similar measures to improve the quality of life and sustainable mobility encourage.