Belgium plans stricter rules for e-scooters and e-bikes after surge in accidents

The federal government is preparing a new set of measures to improve the safety of electric scooters and e-bikes, following a sharp rise in accidents and injuries across Belgium.

Federal mobility minister Jean-Luc Crucke (Les Engagés) is working on a draft royal decree that would introduce stricter rules for both users and shared mobility operators. The plans come amid mounting concern from hospitals, police and road safety experts.

Accidents and injuries on the rise

Recent figures underline the urgency. According to the Vias Institute, the number of accidents involving electric scooters rose by sixty-two per cent in the first three months of 2025 compared to the same period a year earlier, with 470 recorded incidents, an average of five per day.

The increase was seen across all regions, with Wallonia reporting the sharpest rise. However, the figures only include accidents reported to police, meaning the real number is likely higher.

Hospitals are also seeing the impact. At Chirec Delta Hospital, emergency services treat hundreds of e-scooter-related injuries each year. These are often serious, including head trauma and facial fractures. Medical professionals warn that high speeds and the lack of helmet use are key factors behind the severity of injuries.

In 2025, thirteen people died in e-scooter accidents in Belgium.

Helmet rules and speed limits

One of the central measures under consideration is a mandatory helmet requirement for motorised vehicles exceeding 20 km/h, which would apply to many private e-scooters and e-bikes.

Crucke said the goal is to “raise awareness and reduce the number of accidents”, which he described as “unacceptable”.

However, shared mobility operators have expressed concern that a blanket helmet obligation could deter users. To address this, the government has reached an agreement with the sector, represented by Way To Go.

Under the compromise, shared scooters and bikes will be limited to 20 km/h, allowing them to remain exempt from the helmet requirement. “We want to avoid killing an important market for sustainable mobility”, Crucke said.

Operators will also have to introduce additional safety features such as automatic speed limits in high-risk zones, improved braking signals and measures to discourage riding under the influence. Compliance will be tied to operating licences.

Tougher enforcement and unsafe imports

The draft decree also foresees stricter enforcement. Police will be equipped with tools to detect tampered scooters, while authorities will intensify efforts to remove unsafe or illegally modified vehicles from the market.

Experts warn that some imported models can reach speeds far above the legal limit of 25 km/h, in extreme cases exceeding 100 km/h, posing serious risks to riders and other road users.

Belgium is expected to push for action at European level to curb the influx of such vehicles. Non-compliant scooters could be confiscated and destroyed.

Broader safety debate

The debate over e-scooter safety has intensified in recent years. Despite existing rules, including a minimum age of sixteen and a ban on riding on pavements, accident rates continue to climb.

Road safety experts argue that stronger enforcement, helmet use and tighter regulation of vehicle standards are essential to reverse the trend. Studies show that around sixty per cent of seriously injured riders suffer head trauma.

Crucke said the new measures could be introduced later this year. “This mode of transport is very positive”, he said, “but if we want it to continue, these measures are necessary, for the climate, for safety and for the economy”.