Brussels will ban rental electric scooters starting in 2027, as regional authorities opt to end licenses for operators like Bolt and Dott due to rising safety concerns. The decision follows a 26% increase in accidents involving these vehicles in 2025, which saw 666 reported injuries. While rental scooters will disappear from city streets, the city will continue to permit the rental of electric bicycles.
Why is Brussels banning rental e-scooters?
The Brussels regional government cited a surge in public safety incidents as the primary driver for the ban. According to official government data, 666 people were injured in e-scooter-related accidents during 2025. Beyond physical safety, officials pointed to persistent “nuisance” issues, including the improper parking of scooters that blocks pedestrian pathways. The government also noted that the devices are occasionally used for illicit activities, such as drug trafficking.
Brussels is joining a growing list of European capitals that have moved to restrict or remove shared micro-mobility programs. Paris, Madrid, and Prague have all implemented similar bans or strict caps on rental e-scooters in recent years.
What happens to existing operators and jobs?
Current operators Bolt and Dott will see their operating licenses expire at the end of 2026, and the regional government has confirmed these will not be renewed. This policy shift faces pushback from both the private sector and organized labor. The trade union ACV-CSC has publicly criticized the move, warning that the total phase-out threatens dozens of mostly low-skilled jobs within the maintenance and logistics sectors of the rental industry.
How do e-scooters compare to other transit options?
The debate over urban mobility often pits the environmental benefits of micro-mobility against the practical challenges of shared infrastructure. Supporters, including industry representatives from Bolt and Dott, argue that e-scooters provide a necessary, zero-emission alternative to cars, helping to reduce urban traffic congestion. Conversely, critics and local authorities argue that the current model of “free-floating” rentals creates sidewalk clutter and poses a persistent hazard to pedestrians.
If you rely on micro-mobility for your daily commute, check your local municipality’s transportation department website for updates on shared electric bike programs, which remain unaffected by this specific regulatory shift in Brussels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use my private electric scooter in Brussels?
Yes. The current ban specifically targets the rental market and the commercial licensing of shared fleets. Private ownership remains legal, provided riders follow local traffic regulations.
When exactly do the rental scooters disappear?
The current licenses for operators like Bolt and Dott expire at the end of 2026. Residents should expect these services to cease operations by the start of 2027.
Will other forms of shared transport be affected?
No. Brussels authorities have clarified that the rental of electric bicycles will continue to be permitted within the city, as these are viewed as a safer and more stable alternative for public transit.
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