As many as 35 of the 40 e-scooters inspected in Belgian stores and online shops do not comply with legal requirements. This is according to recent inspections by the Economic Inspectorate.

Half of the e-scooters inspected were sold online; the other half were sold in physical stores. Only three of the scooters sold online complied with Belgian law, and two in physical stores.

Minister of Consumer Protection Rob Beenders (Vooruit) has ordered the non-compliant e-scooters to be removed from sale. “This isn’t about details,” Beenders says. “These are basic rules that ensure people can use a product safely.”

Drive up the speed

The problems identified are varied. For example, important information such as details of the manufacturer or importer is often missing; warnings and safety information are frequently not available in the correct language; the CE marking.

This indicates that a product is safe according to European regulations, that there are no instructions or that the instructions for safe use are unclear, and that the mandatory declaration that the product complies with European regulations is often absent or incomplete.

Other issues: An e-scooter is technically not allowed to exceed 25 km/h. However, many models sold online can be easily set to 30 or 35 km/h via an app or a setting.

Many manufacturers also only provide a reflector at the front and rear. Belgian law, however, requires orange side reflectors (or a reflective strip on the tires). This was missing on most of the rejected e-scooters.

An e-scooter must also have a bell that is audible up to 20 meters. Many e-scooters are sold without a bell or with an electronic beep that does not meet the standard.

More inspections to come

“This is just the beginning,” says Beens regarding the enforcement actions. “We will continue to monitor the situation and take strict action where necessary. Soon, together with my fellow ministers Clarinval (Economy) and Crucke (Mobility), I will also announce an action plan regarding e-scooters so that we can address the safety issue more quickly.”

The inspection files for stores are under further investigation, and additional measures may follow. In addition, a technical test will be conducted on the e-scooter this year. Based on those results, it will be determined what additional inspections are needed in the future.

The move follows a sharp rise in e-scooter-related accidents. In 2025, the number of injury accidents increased by 33.7% to 2,453, while fatal accidents rose from 4 to 13.