A majority of MPs back bringing in tough new rules to deal with ‘shared’ electric mopeds, the AD said on Thursday, ahead of a vote on a motion drawn up the ChristenUnie and the VVD.

In particular, the two parties want the government to give local authorities more powers to deal with mopeds that have been badly parked.

‘Councillors are struggling with the issue,’ CU parliamentarian Stieneke van der Graaf told the AD. ‘The mopeds are contributing to traffic safety issues because they are parked all over the place, even on pavement markings for the blind.’

Critics also say the mopeds are mainly used to travel short distances which can be done by bicycle.

30 towns

The online rental moped firms currently operate in some 30 Dutch towns and cities, but do not currently need a licence. Utrecht has taken the step of banning them.

MPs are keen to see some form of licencing introduced which could include a maximum number of two-wheelers and a ban on operating or parking in certain areas.

They also want to know if the companies can be required to pay tax for using council land, as cafes with a terrace and shops with outside advertising do.

Not green

Last month, moped rental company Go Sharing said it would stop operating in a large number of Dutch towns and cities because they are not profitable.

There is nothing green or shared about electric mopeds

Moped users also face an increasing number of restrictions and will have to use helmets from next year.