E-Scooter Rental Ban in Brussels
Authorities in Brussels have announced plans to end e-scooter rental services by 2027, choosing not to renew the operating licenses for companies Bolt and Dott. Instead, the city intends to expand its own bicycle-sharing network. This decision comes amid mounting concerns over safety hazards, cluttered sidewalks, and a rising number of accidents involving e-scooters.
According to official data, 666 people were injured in e-scooter-related incidents in Brussels during 2025—a 26% increase compared to the previous year. Brussels Mobility Minister Elke Van den Brandt emphasized that public safety remains the top priority. Meanwhile, Belgian Transport Minister Jean-Luc Crucke has introduced a mandatory helmet requirement for riders of e-scooters capable of exceeding 20 km/h.
Residents React to the Ban
The decision has divided opinions among Brussels residents. Some, like 21-year-old student Adam, argue that e-scooters create chaos because they are often left abandoned in random locations. Others, including Diana—who was injured in an e-scooter accident—believe that the convenience of these devices does not justify the health risks. She pointed out that studies show e-scooter users are more likely to suffer head and facial injuries than cyclists.
According to her, the question is whether e-scooters provide enough societal benefit to outweigh the injuries and hospitalizations. — Diana
Similar restrictions are already in place in cities like Paris and Prague, where local authorities have also moved to curb e-scooter usage. In Ukraine, particularly in Lviv, the city council is working on a bill to regulate personal electric transport, with stricter e-scooter rules planned to take effect on July 1, 2026.
In conclusion, the debate over e-scooter safety and regulation remains pressing not only in Brussels but also in other cities where governments strive to strike a balance between transportation convenience and citizen safety. Banning e-scooter rentals could be a significant step toward reducing injuries, but it also sparks discussion about alternative transport options and their impact on urban mobility.