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Can my child ride an electric scooter (e-step), and can they ride on the pavement?

In short

In traffic, your child must be at least 16, except in places such as residential and play streets. Electric scooters follow the bicycle rules: riding on the pavement in built-up areas is forbidden, you cannot carry a second person, and the maximum speed is 25 km/h.

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This rule in 67 seconds
Video transcript

Your child wants to ride an electric scooter on the pavement. It depends: The minimum age is 16. In built-up areas riding on the pavement is forbidden, and no passenger may ride along. The right way: From 16, ride on the cycle path or on the right of the road. Top speed 25 km/h. Helmet required on scooters faster than 20 km/h. Outcome: Immediate payment: 64 € – 191 €; Under 18: Report goes to prosecutor; If they cause damage: Parents may be liable.

What is not allowed, what is required?

  • To ride an electric scooter (e-step / trottinette électrique), you must be at least 16 years old (except in places such as residential and play streets).
  • Follow the bicycle rules: use the cycle path if there is one; if not, use the right side of the road.
  • Riding on the pavement in built-up areas is forbidden. Outside built-up areas, if there is no cycle path, you may use the pavement if you keep to the right and give way to pedestrians.
  • You cannot carry a second person on a scooter; the maximum speed is 25 km/h.
  • Since 1 September 2026, a helmet is compulsory on e-steps with a maximum design speed above 20 km/h. You may wear a moped helmet or a bicycle helmet that protects the temples and the back of the head. Most rental e-steps are limited to 20 km/h.
  • Holding a phone while riding is also forbidden on an e-step.
  • The alcohol limits also apply to scooter riders. In the dark, use a light at the front and the back.

Penalty and indirect consequences

PENALTY NOTICE
Fine / payment
A person riding an e-step also counts as a driver. Depending on the degree of the offence, the on-the-spot fine is 64 €, 128 € or 191 € (+ 10,67 € administrative fee). On-the-spot fines do not apply to people under 18; the report is sent to the public prosecutor.

Legal basis:KB 19.4.2014, art. 2, 1° (Justel)

Court / prison
No prison for ordinary traffic offences; serious cases can go to the police court. For serious offences, such as repeat drink-driving, prison is also possible.

Legal basis:Kamer DOC 55 3374/010, art. 36 + Wegverkeerswet, art. 29 §2wegcode.be

What really matters: the indirect consequences

  • Parents can be held responsible for damage caused by a child under 16

    Legal basis:Kamer DOC 55 3213/012 (BW Boek 6), art. 6.12

  • In an accident, the party at fault pays compensation; family insurance may not cover every situation

    Legal basis:BW Boek 6, art. 6.5

  • With a rental scooter, the company can pass the fine on to the user

What do these terms mean?

On-the-spot payment
A fixed amount offered by the police. If you pay, the case is closed and does not go to court. If not, the prosecutor takes over; the amount can rise and the case can go to court.
Police court
The court for traffic offences and appeals against GAS fines. Despite the name, it is not part of the police; an independent judge decides.

All terms: glossary →

Why does this rule exist?

A scooter on the pavement puts pedestrians in danger, especially children and older people. A scooter carrying two people easily loses its balance, and falls can cause serious head injuries.

Where can you go?

  • Municipal driving licence serviceExchanging a foreign driving licence and other licence matters
  • Free first-line legal adviceIf you have been summoned to the police court (juridische eerstelijnsbijstand / aide juridique de première ligne)
  • Social interpreterAt the municipality, the OCMW/CPAS, school and hospital, you can ask for an interpreter in your language; it is often free.

This site does not handle individual cases; it points you to the right service. All help addresses

Source and reliability

Official source
Source check
15 / 15 statements in an official source
Checked: 22.10.2026
Last checked
22.10.2026
Rules can change
Show the 15 checked statementsopen

The checked statements are in Turkish, as in the source text. This check does not replace legal advice.

General information, not legal advice. For your own situation, ask a lawyer or free legal aid. How was this information prepared?

Related rules

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As a pedestrian, can I cross the road wherever I want?

Only under certain conditions. If there is a pedestrian crossing within about 20 metres, you must use it. You may not step into the road when the pedestrian light is red, and you must give way to trams.Open the rule TrafficNot allowed· Traffic offence, degree 3

Can I use my phone or ride without lights on my bike?

No. Holding a phone in your hand is forbidden on a bike too, and front and rear lights are compulsory in the dark. The alcohol limits also apply to cyclists.Open the rule TrafficDepends· Traffic offence, degree 1

Is there a licence, helmet or age requirement for an electric bicycle?

Not for an ordinary electric bicycle (at most 250 W, with assistance cutting out at 25 km/h); it counts as a normal bicycle. For a motorised bicycle with a motor of up to 1 kW, you must be at least 16.Open the rule