Electric scooters in Belgium

Electric scooters have become a familiar sight on our streets. They are a popular and practical means of transport for short journeys, both in cities and beyond. Unfortunately, the number of accidents involving electric scooters is also rising. To safeguard all road users, specific rules apply in Belgium to the use of electric scooters. These rules cover, among other things, the minimum age, the permitted speed, where you may ride, the use of a mobile phone and the carrying of passengers. Below you will find an overview of the main rules for electric scooters.

The main rules at a glance

• Young people under the age of 16 may not ride an electric scooter on the public highway.
• It is prohibited to ride an electric scooter with two people.
• Riding on the pavement is in principle not permitted. In certain pedestrian zones it may be allowed where signage expressly says so.
• Municipalities may introduce specific parking zones for electric scooters: zones where parking is prohibited, zones where parking is mandatory, or zones where parking is permitted only within a designated area.

Electric scooter users are treated as cyclists

Under the Highway Code, a user of an electric scooter is in principle treated in the same way as a cyclist.

The maximum design speed of an electric scooter without a seat may not exceed 25 km/h. Electric scooters capable of higher speeds may not be used on the public highway as ordinary e-scooters.

Mandatory helmets

Since 1 September 2026, riders of electric scooters that are technically capable of exceeding 20 km/h must wear a helmet.

As most electric scooters have a maximum design speed of 25 km/h, this obligation applies to a large proportion of the electric scooters on the road today.

For shared scooters, a helmet is not compulsory where the operator has technically limited the maximum speed to 20 km/h.

No driving licence required

No driving licence is required to ride an electric scooter without a seat.

That does not mean, however, that the rules of the road do not apply. Like any other road user, you are required to comply with the Highway Code.

No riding under the influence

Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs is prohibited.

The same rules apply to electric scooter riders as to other road users. The maximum permitted blood alcohol level is 0.5 per mille (0.5 g/l).

Using a smartphone

It is prohibited to hold a smartphone or any other mobile electronic device while riding.

If you want to use your smartphone as a satnav, it is best to fit a suitable holder to the handlebars. That way you keep both hands on the handlebars and retain sufficient control of your vehicle.

Lighting on your e-scooter

Where visibility is reduced to less than 200 metres, and in any event between sunset and sunrise, your electric scooter must be fitted with lights.

A white or yellow light at the front and a red light at the rear are sufficient. It is also always sensible to increase your visibility, for example by wearing reflective clothing or accessories.

Do I need to insure my electric scooter?

A standard electric scooter without a seat is classed as a motorised personal transport device, not as a moped.

In principle, no separate moped insurance is required for this type of scooter. A family liability policy is nevertheless strongly recommended, as it may cover you if you cause damage to third parties.

Electric scooters with a seat

Different rules apply to electric scooters with a seat.

An electric scooter with a seat and a top speed of 25 km/h is classed as a class A moped. If it can reach 45 km/h, it is classed as a class B moped and an AM driving licence is required.

You must be at least 16 years old to ride an electric scooter with a seat. In addition, both class A and class B mopeds must be registered and insured.

The general rules for mopeds also apply:

• Wearing an approved helmet is compulsory.
• Lights must be switched on at all times, including during the day.
• You must always be able to produce the necessary documents, namely: your identity card, the certificate of conformity, the insurance certificate and the registration certificate.

If you ride an electric scooter with a seat and a top speed of 45 km/h, you must also be able to produce your driving licence.

Involved in an electric scooter accident?

Have you been involved in an electric scooter accident, or do you have questions about liability, compensation or the insurance implications? Please do not hesitate to contact one of our lawyers specialising in traffic law. We will review your file and gladly advise you on your rights and options.