Brussels Takes Action Against Electric Shared Scooters
In a surprising move, Brussels Minister of Mobility, Elke Van den Brandt from the Green Party, has decided to address the phenomenon of electric shared scooters that have been prevalent in Brussels for several years now. At first glance, this intervention might seem puzzling, considering that scooters have become a legitimate mode of transportation. Moreover, they offer a cleaner and more space-efficient alternative to cars.
However, since their introduction, shared scooters have been accused of numerous issues, including being dangerous (with a rising number of severe accidents) and causing disturbances (riding on sidewalks, illegal parking, and more). In Paris, the city even decided to ban them entirely after a referendum.
Back in 2022, the government had already taken steps to regulate the use of electric scooters (or e-scooters). Changes were made to the traffic regulations, setting requirements for e-scooters, such as a minimum age of sixteen for users, a ban on riding with two people on a scooter, speed limits in pedestrian areas, designated parking zones, and so on. However, it seems these measures have fallen short because many users are still unaware of the existing rules. This has prompted Elke Van den Brandt to take action on this mode of transportation. "It's an alternative, but it also causes inconvenience. We need to ensure that this inconvenience disappears. This regulation is the only solution to make progress," the minister explained to Le Soir. She warns that if the new rules are not followed, the government is considering a total ban, just like in Paris. This is, therefore, the last chance for shared scooters.
Stringent Measures
To tackle the issue, Brussels will significantly limit the number of scooters on the streets. Starting from January 1, 2024, only two operators (licenses) will be allowed, with a maximum of 8,000 scooters in circulation, down from the current 20,000. The call for applications provides room for three shared bicycle providers (3 x 2,500 bicycles), two shared scooter providers (2 x 300 scooters), and two shared cargo bike providers (2 x 150 cargo bikes).
From January 1, 2024, designated drop-off and parking zones will also become mandatory, with fines for non-compliance. Authorities find it unacceptable that sidewalks are constantly cluttered with scooters haphazardly left behind by users.
Lastly, there will be a speed limit of a maximum of 20 km/h, reduced to 8 km/h in pedestrian zones and the car-free center of Brussels starting in 2024. This 8 km/h limit will gradually extend to all pedestrian zones and green spaces in the capital by January 2024.
It remains to be seen whether these new rules will be effectively adhered to. If not, Brussels might ultimately decide to ban shared scooters for good.
