The e-scooter market in Brussels is expanding rapidly.
There are five e-scooter companies operating in Brussels, which means about 5,000 scooters are in the capital. Two new providers will soon join the fray: Uber, which already has its Jump bikes in the city, and a Berlin-based company called Wind, meaning the number of scooters will increase to 7,500, according to New Mobility.
These companies need a license to operate in Brussels that they can receive for free, and currently there is no limit to how many e-scooter companies may operate in the city.
The only mobility company based in Brussels is Billy Bike, a bicycle sharing company. It plans to increase its fleet of bikes to 300 this year.
Compared to other European cities and countries, Brussels has few regulations on e-scooters. The vehicles are banned in the Netherlands, and Paris is increasing its regulations.
However, Brussels is considering increasing regulations on e-scooters. Providers must apply for a permit, and they must have 50 scooters that run on green energy. Rules on parking are being mulled over, and a fee may be required for a permit in the future.
Sam Nelson
The Brussels Times