A sharp rise in electric scooter accidents in Belgium has raised alarm, prompting warnings and calls for regulatory changes from authorities

Hospitals across Belgium have reported a significant increase in electric scooter-related injuries, with 1,580 people treated between July 2022 and January 2024, according to the ZAS hospital group. Most incidents involve scooter users themselves, who account for nearly ninety percent of the injured. The injuries were mainly the result of falls, underscoring the risk faced by riders navigating busy streets and uneven surfaces.

Medical professionals are calling for tougher safety measures in response to the growing number of severe injuries, many of which require long recovery periods. Doctors recommend implementing speed limits, mandatory helmet use, and power restrictions to better protect riders. Half of those hurt in these accidents are unable to work for extended periods, raising concerns about the mounting social and economic costs associated with scooter mishaps.

Authorities are now considering regulatory changes, including rules resembling those in place for electric bicycles. These could include power and speed limitations to mitigate risk. Experts also note that official police data likely underestimates the actual number of accidents, as officers only respond to a minority of cases. There is a growing consensus among public health and traffic safety advocates that more comprehensive oversight and stricter enforcement are necessary to address the electric scooter safety crisis.