Many Belgians unaware of new rules for e-scooters

Three years after the introduction of stricter rules for electric scooters, a significant number of Belgians are still unaware of the most important rules, according to a new survey by the Institute for Road Safety Vias published Wednesday.

The institute recorded 1,825 accidents involving electric scooters resulting in fatalities or injuries in 2024, or an average of five per day – a 13% increase compared to 2023. This figure is “probably an underestimation,” Vias said.

According to the survey, 44% of Belgians are unaware that the minimum age to ride an electric scooter is 16.

Additionally, more than a third of the population (35%) is unaware that it is prohibited to carry passengers on these vehicles. “It is impossible to drive an electric scooter correctly with two people. Moreover, scooters are difficult to handle because of their small wheels,” warned Vias, urging users to “put themselves in the best possible conditions to avoid unpleasant surprises.”

The institute points out that these rules came into effect in July 2022, putting an end to the legal uncertainty that previously surrounded this type of vehicle.

The police are organising intensive checks from Wednesday until Friday to reinforce these safety rules. During the action days, the federal road police are checking whether motorcyclists are wearing the mandatory protective clothing, while the local police check whether e-scooters are not tuned up and whether bicycles have the mandatory equipment.