Fined 185 euros in Belgium for driving a wheelchair with a mobile phone in hand

Belgian police have fined a man diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) nearly 185 euros for using his mobile phone while driving his electric wheelchair. The incident took place in a business park in Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, south of Brussels, on a Saturday with minimal traffic.

The man, who has the condition commonly known as Charcot's disease, stopped his wheelchair to check his phone. After closing the device, he resumed driving, holding the phone in his right hand while using his left to operate the wheelchair's controls. Police cited this action as a third-degree infraction.

According to the police report, the man was traveling at about 12 kilometers per hour. He stated to the newspaper La DH/Les Sport+ that he believes his wheelchair is more akin to a pedestrian than a scooter or bicycle. He emphasized that he operates the wheelchair with only one hand, leaving the other entirely free.

To avoid a potentially larger fine of over 597 euros for prolonged delay, the man opted to pay the initial penalty. The situation highlights a legal gray area concerning the use of mobile devices while operating mobility aids, even at low speeds.

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With my wheelchair I am closer to a pedestrian than to a scooter or a bicycle. I travel at a maximum of 12 km/h and I only drive it with one control with one hand. The other hand is completely free.