The local police in the ViMa (Vilvoorde/Machelen) zone have seized 52 electric scooters during a targeted operation in Vilvoorde.
Police took 27 scooters into custody because the drivers were under 16 years old. An additional 25 scooters were permanently confiscated for exceeding the speed limit of 25 km/h, with some reaching speeds up to 100 km/h, the ViMa police reported on Monday.
"In late February, the City of Vilvoorde launched a major awareness campaign about responsible e-scooter use," said police spokesperson Catherine Bodet.
"Important rules were displayed on clear posters and banners around the city. Community officers spoke to young people about the applicable regulations. The campaign culminated in an enforcement week from 10 to 16 March 2025, during which police actively monitored and fined drivers."
The 27 scooters taken into custody will be returned in the presence of the underage drivers’ parents.
"All underage offenders are also invited to attend a traffic lesson on responsible e-scooter use," Bodet continued. "Those who complete the lesson may have their cases dismissed by the prosecutor."
The 25 scooters exceeding the speed limit were also seized, according to the police. "The youngest driver was 14 years old and reached speeds of 70 km/h. One scooter was capable of reaching 100 km/h. The drivers were fined, and the scooters may be destroyed by court order."
Additionally, nine tickets were issued for riding with two people on one scooter, and 11 more for inappropriate driving behaviour.
