The regional government of Brussels will ban electric rental scooters from city streets starting in January 2027 [1].
This move signals a tightening of urban mobility regulations across Europe as cities struggle to balance the convenience of micro-mobility with public safety. The decision reflects a growing trend of European capitals removing shared scooters to reclaim pavement space and reduce traffic casualties.
Officials said a combination of safety and security concerns justified the prohibition. A primary driver for the ban is the surge in accidents, with a 26% increase in injuries related to electric scooters recorded in 2025 [2]. Government representatives also said pavement clutter and an increase in the use of these vehicles by organized crime groups contributed to the decision [1].
The transition period will align with existing contractual agreements. The licenses for current operators, including Bolt and Dott, are set to expire at the end of 2026 [2]. This timeline allows the companies to wind down operations before the ban takes full effect in January 2027 [1].
Brussels is not alone in this approach. The city joins a growing list of European municipalities that have implemented similar bans or strict limitations on shared e-scooter fleets due to safety concerns [1]. The regional government has not yet detailed whether privately owned electric scooters will remain legal or if new regulations will be introduced for personal micro-mobility devices.
The ban aims to address the chaotic nature of dockless rentals, where scooters are often left obstructing sidewalks, and the lack of adherence to traffic laws by users. By removing the shared model, the city expects to see a reduction in emergency room visits and a decrease in the logistical challenges posed by abandoned vehicles.
“Brussels will ban electric rental scooters from city streets starting in January 2027”
The Brussels ban highlights a systemic failure of the first-generation 'dockless' business model to integrate into historic European urban grids. By citing organized crime and a spike in injuries, the government is prioritizing public order and physical safety over the 'last-mile' convenience offered by private tech operators. This likely foreshadows further restrictions in other EU cities as the novelty of shared micro-mobility is eclipsed by the costs of urban mismanagement.
