Police checks have increasingly revealed drivers using illegal e-scooters capable of exceeding the legal speed limit of 25 km/h.
The e-scooter has grown in popularity as a mode of transport due to its lightweight, practical, and swift nature, according to Halle-Vilvoorde prosecutor’s office spokesperson Ingrid Moriau.
However, riding them carries risks, including reckless behaviour and accidents causing injuries.
The prosecutor’s office reports frequent accidents involving illegal e-scooters, with incidents typically resulting in severe injuries for drivers.
A 50-year-old man died attempting to mount the pavement with his e-scooter in Lennik on 11 July, despite not exceeding the 25 km/h limit.
In contrast, other accidents involve scooters surpassing this threshold, such as a young man in Hoeilaart who sustained serious injuries in May when his scooter, set to "race mode," reached speeds of up to 70 km/h.
Similarly, in June, a 14-year-old boy was severely injured in Buizingen due to excessive speed.
In Belgium, a legal e-scooter is defined as a saddle-less device with a top speed of 25 km/h.
An illegal e-scooter may be either modified or legally purchased but exceeds this speed limit. Such scooters are prohibited from public roads and are subject to confiscation during inspections.
Prosecutor Carol Vercarre notes the confusion surrounding brands like KuKirin, which sell affordable e-scooters that can exceed the speed limit. He clarifies that while these scooters may be purchased legally, they are not permitted on public roads.
E-scooters moving faster than 25 km/h are classified similarly to mopeds or motorcycles, depending on their speed.
Vercarre adds that sellers may insufficiently inform buyers about regulations and risks associated with e-scooters. The prosecutor’s office is focusing on raising awareness around purchasing, operating, and responsible use, while actively removing illegal e-scooters from traffic.
During a recent large-scale operation, local police in Vilvoorde-Machelen removed 52 e-scooters from circulation. Among the minors involved, 27 attended a traffic lesson on responsible scooter use, allowing their cases to be closed without further consequences.
Nine individuals have been summoned to appear before the Vilvoorde police court on 20 August. They face charges relating to not having a valid driving licence, insurance, or vehicle registration.
Riding an illegal e-scooter on public roads can result in fines up to €3,000, a driving ban, mandatory theoretical and practical exams, and confiscation of the scooter.
