Belgium Introduces E-Scooter Helmet Rule as Free Pension Helpline Ends

A helmet is now compulsory in Belgium for riders of electric scooters that can travel faster than 20 kilometers per hour under their construction specifications. The rule applies from September 1, regardless of the speed at which the scooter is actually being ridden.

Riders may use either a moped helmet or a bicycle helmet that also protects the temples and the back of the head. Belgium permits only electric scooters with a maximum speed of 25 kph, so the new requirement covers scooters rated between 20 and 25 kph. Shared scooters do not require helmets when operators have limited them to 20 kph, a restriction the Federal Public Service Mobility says often appears in operating permits.

The mobility authority said the measure aims to improve road safety. It cited international studies and medical and accident statistics indicating that head and brain injuries occur particularly often in serious and fatal crashes involving motorized transport, especially electric scooters. The risk of severe injury also rises with speed.

The free 1765 Pension Line has also ended. Pension questions can now be directed to 02/225.17.65, a standard number used by the Federal Pension Service, the National Institute for the Social Security of the Self-Employed and Sigedis. The change is expected to save more than 1 million euros a year while keeping service quality unchanged. Opening hours remain Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Speech therapists can also begin guiding patients through video consultations.

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International studies and medical and accident statistics all point in the same direction: in serious and fatal accidents involving motorized vehicles, and particularly electric scooters, head and brain injuries occur especially often.