Three years after Belgium introduced stricter regulations for electric scooters, a large portion of the population remains unaware of the essential safety rules, a new survey from the Institute for Road Safety Vias reveals.
The findings come amid a worrying increase in accidents involving e-scooters, raising concerns about road safety and enforcement.
According to the Vias survey published on Wednesday, nearly half of Belgians—44%—do not know that the minimum age to ride an electric scooter legally is 16 years old.
Furthermore, over one-third (35%) of respondents were unaware that carrying passengers on e-scooters is strictly prohibited.
The institute emphasized that driving an electric scooter with two people is not only illegal but also highly unsafe, given the vehicle’s design with small wheels, which makes it difficult to handle under such conditions.
The survey results are especially significant in light of recent accident statistics. In 2024 alone, Vias recorded 1,825 accidents involving electric scooters that resulted in injuries or fatalities.
This equates to an average of five e-scooter accidents every day, marking a 13% increase compared to 2023. Vias cautions that this figure is “probably an underestimation,” underscoring the urgency of improving awareness and compliance with the rules.
The stricter regulations for electric scooters came into effect in July 2022, ending a period of legal ambiguity around the use of these popular vehicles.
The rules set clear standards, including the minimum age, the prohibition on carrying passengers, and requirements for vehicle maintenance and protective equipment, aimed at increasing safety for both riders and other road users.
In response to the rising accident numbers and the survey’s findings, Belgian police have launched intensive enforcement operations running from Wednesday through Friday.
The federal road police are focusing on ensuring that motorcyclists comply with the mandatory protective clothing regulations.
At the same time, local police are targeting electric scooters that have been illegally modified or “tuned up” to go faster than allowed, as well as bicycles lacking required safety equipment.
Vias also reminded e-scooter users to adopt safe riding practices, advising them to “put themselves in the best possible conditions to avoid unpleasant surprises.”
This includes adhering to age restrictions, never carrying passengers, and riding within speed limits and traffic rules.
The continued rise in e-scooter accidents highlights the challenges faced by authorities in keeping pace with the growing popularity of these vehicles.
E-scooters offer convenient and environmentally friendly transportation, but without proper education and enforcement, they can pose significant risks on the roads.
With many Belgians still unaware of key safety regulations three years after their introduction, experts say that more public awareness campaigns and consistent law enforcement are essential to prevent further injuries and fatalities.
The ongoing police checks this week are expected to send a strong message to riders and remind them of their responsibilities.
Whether this action will curb the recent upward trend in e-scooter accidents remains to be seen, but road safety officials are hopeful that clearer communication of the rules combined with stricter enforcement will help make Belgium’s streets safer for all.
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