E-scooter rules in Belgium
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Electric scooters, self-balancing boards and monowheels are “motorised personal mobility devices” under the Belgian highway code. Their rules are close to those for cyclists, with a few important differences. They matter to riders, but also to drivers: the theory test now includes questions about these new road users.
Key points
Minimum age 16
Since July 2022 you must be 16 to ride an e-scooter on public roads.
Like a cyclist
Use the cycle path where there is one, otherwise the road. Pavements are forbidden.
One rider only
Carrying a passenger is forbidden, whatever the passenger's age.
What the highway code says
A motorised personal mobility device may not exceed 25 km/h by design. Above that, it falls into other categories (speed pedelec, moped) with registration, insurance and a licence. Below it, no licence is needed, but the rider is a full road user: they must follow signs, priority rules and alcohol limits.
| Rule | In practice |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 16 |
| Maximum speed | 25 km/h by design |
| Where to ride | Cycle path if there is one, otherwise the road |
| Pavement | Forbidden |
| Passenger | Forbidden |
| Helmet | Not compulsory, strongly recommended |
Where can you ride?
- On the cycle path where there is one, like cyclists.
- Otherwise on the road, keeping to the right.
- In a pedestrian zone only if cyclists are allowed, and at walking pace.
- Never on the pavement or the motorway.
What is forbidden
- Carrying a passenger.
- Using a hand-held phone while riding.
- Riding under the influence of alcohol: the same limits apply as for other drivers.
- Riding at night or in poor visibility without a white or yellow front light, a red rear light and reflectors.
- Parking where it blocks pedestrians, especially people with reduced mobility.
Municipalities may add rules for shared e-scooters: mandatory parking zones and lower speeds in some districts.
What drivers need to know
For drivers, an e-scooter rider is a vulnerable road user, just like a cyclist. When overtaking, leave at least 1 metre in built-up areas and 1.5 metres outside them. Anticipate too: e-scooters accelerate quickly, are hard to see and can appear suddenly from a cycle path at a junction.
See also: overtaking rules and cycle streets and zone 30.
Practise this topic with real exam questions
Reading a rule is not enough: in the Belgian theory exam every question is asked on a photo of a real traffic situation, with answers that look deliberately alike. On PermisBelges, every topic of the highway code is practised with questions in the GOCA exam format, each one corrected and explained.
A free account gives access to the lessons, the free mock exams and progress tracking. Premium unlocks every exam simulation, detailed statistics per topic and targeted revision of your mistakes until exam day.
Ready to test yourself? Create your free account in thirty seconds, or discover Premium to practise without limits.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum age for an e-scooter in Belgium?
16, since July 2022, to ride on public roads.
Can I ride an e-scooter on the pavement in Belgium?
No. Use the cycle path where there is one, otherwise the road.
What is the e-scooter speed limit?
25 km/h by design. Faster devices fall into another category with registration and a licence.
Is a helmet compulsory?
No, but it is strongly recommended.
Can I carry a passenger on an e-scooter?
No. Carrying a passenger is forbidden.
Further reading
- AM moped licence
- Overtaking rules in Belgium
- The drink-driving limit in Belgium: rules and penalties
- The international driving permit in Belgium
- How much does a driving licence cost in Belgium?
- Car lights in Belgium: which lights, and when?
- Free Belgian theory test
- Theory exam simulation
- The Belgian highway code
- Plans and pricing