Brussels will prohibit the use of electric scooters on New Year’s Eve, following a decision announced by outgoing Brussels Minister-President Rudi Vervoort. The measure applies across the entire Brussels-Capital Region and targets both private and shared scooters.
The ban will come into force at noon on December 31 and will remain in place until 9 a.m. on January 1. During this period, riding or operating a scooter anywhere in the region will be illegal. Authorities say the decision is driven by public safety concerns during one of the busiest and most challenging nights of the year.
New Year’s Eve traditionally places heavy pressure on police, firefighters, and medical services. Vervoort said the temporary prohibition is intended to reduce risks and allow emergency responders to operate without additional obstacles. He stressed that the safety of residents, visitors, and frontline workers remains the priority.
Operators of shared scooters will face additional obligations under the decision. Companies must remove their vehicles from specific areas identified by local police authorities.
These zones are expected to include high-traffic locations, major squares, and areas where large crowds typically gather for New Year’s celebrations. Police will communicate exact locations to operators in advance.
The Brussels government has recorded a sharp rise in scooter-related incidents over the past year. Since January, more than 1,000 accidents involving scooters have been reported across the region.
Five of those accidents resulted in fatalities, according to official figures cited by Vervoort. The statistics have intensified concerns over the growing popularity of scooters in dense urban areas.
Emergency services have repeatedly warned that scooters can complicate rescue operations, especially during major public events. On New Year’s Eve, roads are often congested and response times are critical.
Last year’s celebrations highlighted additional risks. Authorities reported that scooters were deliberately used to block roads, preventing ambulances and fire engines from reaching emergency sites.
In some cases, scooters were also thrown as projectiles at emergency responders. Officials described these incidents as unacceptable and dangerous, prompting calls for stricter measures. The New Year’s Eve ban is also linked to broader efforts to combat drug trafficking in Brussels.
Law enforcement agencies say scooters are frequently used by dealers to move quickly through the city. Their speed and maneuverability allow riders to evade police patrols and checkpoints. Officials believe temporarily removing scooters will disrupt these activities during the holiday period.
Vervoort emphasized that the measure is preventive rather than punitive. The goal, he said, is to create safer conditions for celebrations and reduce opportunities for misuse. Despite this, penalties for violating the ban are severe. Anyone caught using a scooter during the prohibited period faces between eight and 14 days in prison.
Offenders may also be fined amounts ranging from €234 to €1,800. Authorities say the sanctions reflect the seriousness of the safety risks involved. Police have been instructed to enforce the ban strictly. Additional patrols are expected throughout the city to ensure compliance and respond quickly to incidents.
The scooter prohibition is part of a broader package of New Year’s Eve safety measures. Brussels continues to enforce a strict ban on the private use of fireworks. Illegal fireworks have previously caused injuries, fires, and disturbances across the city. Officials hope that firm enforcement will reduce such incidents this year.
In a public statement, Vervoort called on residents to celebrate responsibly. He urged people to respect the rules and think of the safety of others. “New Year’s Eve should remain a festive and enjoyable event for everyone,” he said. “Let’s celebrate together, but in complete safety.”
Scooter companies operating in Brussels have been informed of the decision. They are expected to cooperate fully with police instructions regarding vehicle removal. Some mobility advocates have expressed concerns about the impact on users who rely on scooters for short-distance travel. However, authorities insist the ban is temporary and justified.
Public transport services are expected to operate extended schedules on New Year’s Eve to accommodate residents and visitors. Officials encourage people to use buses, trams, and metros instead.
Urban mobility experts say the decision reflects growing tensions between new transport modes and public safety management. Similar restrictions have been imposed in other European cities during major events.
For Brussels, the New Year’s Eve ban may also serve as a test case. Authorities will assess its effectiveness before considering similar measures in the future. As the city prepares to welcome the new year, officials hope the absence of scooters will lead to fewer accidents, clearer streets, and safer celebrations for all.
