Brussels Bans Shared E-Scooters Over Safety and Crime Concerns

Brussels will ban electric rental scooters starting next year, following similar measures implemented in Paris, Madrid, Prague, and Melbourne. Local authorities cited excessive nuisance, high injury rates, and dangerous public situations as the primary reasons for the decision, according to Belgian media.

Why is Brussels banning electric rental scooters?

Safety and public order are the central drivers of the ban. Last year, 666 people were injured in e-scooter accidents in Brussels, representing a 25% increase, according to local authorities.

Minister of Mobility Van den Brandt stated that scooter falls carry a higher risk of injury than bicycle falls. The minister also noted that poorly parked scooters obstruct sidewalks for the elderly, parents with strollers, and people with limited mobility.

Did You Know? Public prosecutor Julien Moinil reported that rental scooters were used in at least 25 shootings last year, noting they are a preferred transport method for drug dealers to evade police.

Which companies are affected and what is the timeline?

The licenses for operators Bolt and Dott will now conclude at the end of 2026, which serves as the final expiration date for their operations. Both companies expressed that they are “deeply disappointed” by the decision.

Bolt reported that 150,000 people in Brussels use their e-scooters annually. The company argued that these vehicles play a key role in the city’s transport infrastructure.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter suggests this move reflects a growing tension between rapid “last-mile” tech deployment and municipal regulatory capacity. The shift from permissive licensing to total bans indicates that cities may now prioritize pedestrian safety and crime prevention over the convenience of app-based mobility.

How does this compare to other transport options?

While e-scooters face a total ban, shared bicycles remain permitted in the capital for the time being. Dott challenged the logic of the ban via public broadcaster VRT, questioning why cars and trucks are not banned despite the continuous risks they pose to cyclists and scooter users.

Rochester officials discuss e-bike, scooter ban in part of downtown

What happens next for Brussels mobility?

The transition away from rental scooters may lead to a higher reliance on the remaining shared bicycle programs. Because the current licenses for Bolt and Dott end in 2026, the city could see a phased reduction in available fleet sizes before the final cutoff.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the e-scooter ban take effect?
The ban goes into effect next year, according to Belgian media.

Which rental companies are losing their licenses?
Bolt and Dott are the two companies whose licenses will end.

Are shared bicycles also banned?
No, shared bicycles remain allowed in Brussels for now.

Do you believe city-wide bans are the most effective way to handle urban mobility nuisances?