As micro-mobility companies strive to introduce electric scooters in Flemish municipalities neighboring Brussels, they face resistance from local authorities, according to a report by Brussels

Times.

Micro-mobility firms are grappling with restrictions imposed on electric scooters in the outer regions of Brussels. François-Xavier Giraud from the German micro-mobility company Tier has emphasized the unmet demand for electric scooters in the city outskirts.

Despite companies like Tier and Bolt wanting to expand the availability of electric scooters to the borders of Flanders, several Flemish municipalities remain unwilling to adopt new regulations. Municipalities like Zaventem, Wemmel, Grimbergen, and Kraainem are skeptical of the proposal due to concerns over safety and the increasing number of accidents associated with electric scooters.

In contrast, the possibility of shared bicycle projects is gaining favor among Flemish local authorities. A proposed network of shared bikes linking 30 municipalities bordering Brussels is being developed to enhance connectivity over longer distances.

The shift towards more bike-sharing initiatives reflects a broader sentiment against electric scooters in Brussels, both at the regional and municipal levels. Starting in 2024, only two scooter operators will be permitted in Brussels, with a maximum of 4,000 scooters per company. This limitation has led some companies to focus more on shared bicycles, which are deemed more suitable for longer journeys. Photo by Zibkip, Wikimedia commons.