Brussels bans e-scooters in areas with drug violence
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Brussels authorities banned electric scooters from 19 designated hotspots in an effort to reduce drug-related violence.
The decision came from Minister-President Boris Dillies, who issued a framework order to combat drug trafficking throughout the region. Officials linked scooters to a significant portion of shootings, between January 2025 and July 2026, they were involved in over 25% of firearm incidents connected to the drug trade.
The new regulations also include a ban on pyrotechnic devices commonly used against police and emergency services, as well as restrictions on the sale of nitrous oxide except to professionals. Mayors will now evaluate each hotspot every three months, with the power to add or remove areas based on local conditions. Existing rules remain in place, prohibiting people from visiting hotspots solely to buy drugs, consuming alcohol in public, or selling take-away alcohol during late-night hours.
Police will continue to conduct identity checks, administrative seizures, and security searches around the clock.
