A colourful parade of amphibious cars has glided through Amsterdam's canals, but it is the last time the event will be held in the city, at least until batteries become lighter.

The owners of these unique cars, flying flags from all over Europe, sailed in Amsterdam waters for the last time, as from 2025 they will no longer be allowed into the city due to new environmental regulation.

"Of course, everybody has to think about the environment, and we understand it, but it is a pity that we cannot just make these cars electrical." said Dutch participant Onno den Boer.

Every year, enthusiasts from several European countries gather to ride together for a week.

This year it was the Netherlands' turn to organise, and the possibility of driving one last time in Amsterdam's famous canals attracted around a hundred car owners, a bigger group than usual, explained co-organiser of the event, Roy Bolks.

Starting in 2025, access to the city's waterways will be restricted to emission-free vessels and vehicles, a standard too high for amphibious cars due to the weight of electric batteries.

"This year is the last time because Amsterdam will (introduce) some new rules," Bolks said.

The multi-day event started earlier this week in Amsterdam and took the amphibious cars to the cities of Monnickendam and Utrecht before finishing in Amsterdam.

Typically, the event attracts around 80 participants, but this year 100 amphibious car enthusiasts joined the parade.

"And that's only because we set a limit. We created a waiting list," Bolks said.

Electric amphibious vehicles are rare but Bolks said he knew of two, adding, "They're not easy to navigate as the battery is too big. The vehicle becomes too heavy."

He added that the unusual cars could return to Amsterdam if technology improves for them, although he’s not aware of such research.

The parade first took place in 1987 and has been hosted by Amsterdam four times.

The new legislation doesn't apply to the whole country, so the parade can still be held in the Netherlands. "It will take place in Friesland in a few years; it's pretty there," said Bolks.

Next year the parade will take place in Belgium, close to Ghent.