New safety rules for electric scooters in force across the country

In new traffic rules aimed at improving road safety, under 16s are banned from riding electric scooters and other forms of micro mobility transport, including monowheels, hoverboards and segways.

All users are also banned from riding on pavements. Exceptions include residential and recreational areas and designated cycle paths. In pedestrian zones, signs will indicate whether e-scooters are permitted, at walking pace only, with violations risking €58 fines.

The new rules came into force on 1 July following approval from federal and regional governments. They’re in response to the rising number of injuries among scooter users and annoyance from pedestrians and other road users at scooters’ infringement of public space.

In further restrictions, it’s forbidden for more than one person to be riding at a time. Again, a €58 fine could be imposed on offenders.

Federal mobility minister Georges Gilkinet (Ecolo) said it was important "to avoid children and young teenagers driving in traffic on vehicles up to 25km/h, which are not always stable or easy to drive," reports Bruzz.

To help avoid chaotic parking, signs will indicate designated parking zones, where parking is forbidden or where it's allowed, as long it doesn’t obstruct pedestrians. Incorrect parking can result in a €116 fine.

Brussels goes one step further with new rules

The Brussels region has introduced additional measures, including reducing the maximum speed to 8km/h in the city-centre pedestrian area and semi-pedestrian Chaussée d'Ixelles.

“Shared scooters are an interesting mobility alternative, but cannot be developed to the detriment of users of other modes of transport, particularly pedestrians and people with reduced mobility,” said Brussels mobility minister Elke Van den Brandt (Groen), reports Le Soir.

Ixelles alderman for mobility Yves Rouyet (Ecolo) reiterated why the municipality decided to take further action: “The population is exasperated by abandoned machinery everywhere in public spaces and inappropriate behaviour that endangers the weakest. It was urgent to act decisively. ” 

Photo: © Belga/Eric Lalmand