Mobility provider Bolt has published its latest Micromobility Incident Overview. The report reveals new data showing a significant drop in the number of incidents involving electric scooters in Belgium.

According to the bulletin, the number of incidents in Belgium has decreased by 82% compared to the same period last year. This equates to just 0.13 incidents per 10,000 rides.

This decrease is likely partly due to a comprehensive safety strategy that Bolt has implemented in all the cities where the company operates. “We focused on prevention, education, and real-time intervention, not only to protect our users but also to ensure the safety of pedestrians and other road users,” Bolt’s press release says.

Bolt has, among other things, ensured that the speed limit for beginners is limited to 15 km/hour. The e-scooter platform also offers an app that includes a breathalyzer test and prohibits tandem use (multiple users on a single e-scooter).

Furthermore, reckless drivers are subject to temporary or permanent bans. If a user fails the alcohol test, Bolt recommends requesting a Bolt ride instead of taking a scooter or e-bike. 

Safety features

The company offers riders educational materials in person, through our app, website, and public campaigns, providing them with the knowledge they need to keep themselves and other road users safe.

Bolt’s fleet is also equipped with the most advanced safety features: a triple braking system, a digital dashboard, a front suspension, curved ergonomic handlebars, hidden cables (to prevent vandalism), turn signals to notify others of manoeuvers, etc.

Maintenance

Bolt’s Advanced Mobility Intelligence System in scooters and e-bikes anticipates vehicle maintenance needs before they occur. Additionally, the company conducts weekly inspections and promptly removes all scooters from circulation that require maintenance.

Bolt insists on collaborating with local authorities to develop and implement location-specific parking rules and automated solutions to deter improper scooter parking and educate users on parking appropriately.

Mandatory helmet use?

Although there is much debate about mandatory helmet use, Bolt believes that education and awareness are more effective in driving long-term behavioral change.

“As the largest micromobility provider in Belgium, Bolt is committed to working with policymakers and municipalities to ensure that micromobility remains a safe and sustainable option for everyone,” the company concludes.

Recommendations

“By working with a diverse team of external experts, we’re continually building upon our understanding of micromobility safety through exchanging knowledge, best practices, and recommendations.”

One example. By introducing distance-based pricing (instead of duration-based), we observed a 9% reduction in the average ride speed of users.

The explanation is simple. Charging based on duration can incentivise users to reach their destinations as quickly as possible, potentially leading to speeding and other risky riding behaviours, including ignoring traffic lights and swerving between pedestrians.

“Charging riders of mobility services based on distance rather than time is an important step to prioritise safety over speed because it eliminates the financial incentive for people to use transport in risky or dangerous ways to reach their destinations as quickly as possible.”

2024 deadliest year on record

Since 2021, Bolt has published an annual report highlighting the latest advancements in making shared mobility services safer. The company aims to provide safe and reliable transport across the 250 cities it serves.

However, figures on e-scooters in general are far from positive. For example, the number of accidents involving e-scooters has increased a staggering fivefold in the last five years, since 2020. With three fatalities, 2024 was the deadliest year on record. 

Lowering speed?

Most accident injuries involve head injuries, broken bones, and abrasions. The medical community is, therefore, advocating for mandatory helmet use.

However, there’s little political enthusiasm for implementing a mandatory helmet. However, the possibility of lowering the speed limit from 25 to 20 km/h is being considered.