Brussels has introduced mandatory identity verification for anyone using a shared e-scooter in the region, mobility operators Bolt and Dott announced on Wednesday. The new measure, imposed amid rising concerns over scooter misuse, requires all riders to scan an official identity document before renting a vehicle.
The identity requirement comes in response to repeated calls from several Brussels mayors and a direct request from Brussels Public Prosecutor Julien Moinil. Authorities say shared e-scooters have become a preferred mode of transport for drug couriers, prompting demands for stricter controls and better traceability.
Guillaume Burland, spokesperson for Bolt, told The Brussels Times that safety and accountability were at the heart of the new system. “The measure is part of a broader effort to improve safety and user accountability. Safety is our top priority,” he said.
While both companies operate across multiple European cities, Brussels is the only location where such a verification requirement has been introduced. For now, the measure applies exclusively to e-scooters; shared bikes remain exempt.
Under the new rules, both new and existing users must scan an accepted identity document—such as a passport, ID card or driving licence—through the respective apps.
An automatic, GDPR-compliant verification follows, typically completed within seconds. Bolt says this additional layer of screening significantly strengthens their ability to act swiftly in the event of misuse or criminal activity.
However, authorities are considering even stricter checks. A “selfie verification” feature, which would require riders to take a live photo before each trip, is under discussion with municipal leaders. The selfie would be compared to the image on the user’s ID, ensuring the person unlocking the scooter is the verified account holder.
Burland noted that while this biometric step is not yet in place, technological development is ongoing. “Implementing selfie verification requires further technological development, which takes more time. We will monitor the effectiveness of the ID check and continue discussions about additional steps,” he added.
He also highlighted that shared e-scooters are already among the most tightly regulated mobility options in Brussels. Speed is capped at 20 km/h—below the Belgian legal limit—and all rentals are geolocated with several no-go or reduced-speed zones enforced electronically.
“Contrary to a common misconception, shared vehicles are traceable and geolocatable,” Burland said. “Users are also already identifiable, as registration requires personal details and a valid payment method.”
Dott, which has introduced the same verification system, echoed Bolt’s messaging, emphasising cooperation with police services and compliance with privacy laws. Both operators say they routinely assist authorities in identifying or tracing suspects when formally requested.
Still, local officials believe more may be necessary. Etterbeek mayor Vincent De Wolf, who has previously advocated for a nighttime ban on e-scooters to combat crime, described the new regulation as “an intermediate step” toward facial identification—the measure strongly favoured by the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The shift to private scooters could be a concern, officials admitted. Drug couriers who previously exploited shared vehicles might simply migrate to personal scooters, which currently have no identification requirements.
De Wolf said the issue will be addressed during the next Conference of Mayors, where he will urge the Federal Government to consider requiring licence plates for private scooters. Despite these concerns, operators argue the new verification system already provides an important tool for improving public safety.
“At a time when local authorities are stepping up their efforts to improve safety in public spaces, this new feature gives them an additional tool to help prevent antisocial behaviour and tackle risky conduct,” Bolt said in a statement.
As Brussels continues tightening its mobility regulations, the city is positioning itself as one of Europe’s most closely monitored e-scooter environments—reflecting a broader shift toward balancing convenience with security in urban transport.
