Starting from next September, Belgian authorities will increase inspections on electric scooter shops and online sales platforms to ensure these scooters meet safety standards, following a significant rise in accident numbers. According to the latest statistics from the Belgian Road Safety Institute ‘VIAS’, injuries related to electric scooter accidents rose from 291 in the first quarter of 2023 to 470 in the same period of 2024, an increase of 61%. The institute noted an average of five accidents causing death or injury daily, with figures limited to police-reported incidents. The use of electric scooters has grown notably in Brussels, Antwerp, and Liège, as well as many European cities, leading to the import and sale of various models, some capable of speeds far exceeding Belgium’s 25 km/h speed limit. VIAS highlighted that some models, especially Chinese ones, are popular among youth due to their affordable prices and high speeds.

In response, Rob Binders, Minister of Consumer Protection, announced plans to strengthen compliance checks on Belgian distributors starting September. Belgium will also advocate at the European level to ban the sale of excessively fast models. VIAS calls for stricter standards on scooter wheel sizes, noting that wider and more flexible wheels reduce fall risks, and urges mandatory helmet use to minimize head injuries in accidents.