Brussels Mulls Scooter Bans to Combat Drug Crime and Violence in Hotspots

November 13, 2025
Brussels Mulls Scooter Bans to Combat Drug Crime and Violence in Hotspots
  • Prosecutor Julien Moinil seeks authority to identify scooter users in hotspots to curb gun violence and rising road accidents involving riders.

  • Jean Spinette advocates an outright ban on shared scooters in hotspots, while permitting registration of private scooters, signaling a licensing pathway.

  • Bennani argues that hotspot-only restrictions are ineffective because drug networks shift between neighborhoods, urging a more comprehensive ban with worker exemptions.

  • Brussels authorities are weighing targeted bans on electric scooters in hotspots and during certain hours to curb violence linked to drug trafficking and fast evictions of suspects.

  • Sofia Bennani of Les Engagés calls for an evening-to-morning ban on shared scooters in the hardest-hit communes, with exemptions for night workers.

  • A coalition of Brussels-area mayors is considering forming a working group, with prosecutors seeking power to identify scooter users in crime-ridden areas.

  • Benoît Cerexhe argues for stronger user authentication and opposes narrow hotspot or time-based bans, urging broader measures.

  • The discussion unfolds against a backdrop of security concerns following a shooting at Clemenceau and ongoing community alerts about narcotics activity.

  • Elke Van den Brant, Brussels mobility minister in acting capacity, supports municipal-level measures for speedier action and to avoid regional legal delays.

  • A formal working group will be created at the request of the King’s Prosecutor to study the feasibility of the proposed measures.

  • Mayors say the exact zones and hours aren’t set yet and are still under study.

  • Overall, policymakers are weighing a spectrum of responses, from licensing and targeted restrictions to broader municipal initiatives to disrupt scooter-linked violence and drug crime.

  • Saint-Gilles mayor Jean Spinette notes concerns about anonymous shooters on ultrafast scooters and has moved to remove drop zones at drug-trafficking hotspots used to block police.

  • Several Brussels mayors, including Anderlecht’s Fabrice Cumps, support strong measures to prevent dealers and shooters from using scooters.

  • The article situates these debates within a broader fight against drug trafficking in Brussels, citing related coverage and viewpoints.

  • The Brussels City Hall conference aims to move quickly to implement measures across all municipalities, with a focus on hotspots for drug dealing.

Summary based on 2 sources


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