One of the most notable decisions was that of the Prague authorities, who banned the use of rental electric scooters starting in January 2026. The measure was introduced following years of complaints from residents about chaotic traffic and cluttered sidewalks.
Brussels has gone even further: authorities in the Belgian capital have announced that electric scooter rentals will be completely phased out starting in 2027, and existing operator licenses will not be renewed, according to Euronews.
At the national government level, the trend is moving not toward bans but toward tighter regulation. For example, Greece is drafting a law that will introduce mandatory speed limits, insurance requirements, identification marks, and a ban on the use of scooters by minors.
According to Reuters, rules have already taken effect in Finland prohibiting children under 15 from using electric scooters and requiring licensing for rental operators. This is part of a broader strategy to reduce the number of injuries related to micromobility.
In Germany, Spain, and a number of other countries, strict speed limits, mandatory insurance, and rules for using road infrastructure are in place. In Spain this week, the government approved amendments to the General Traffic Regulations. Under these rules, e-scooter users nationwide are required to wear helmets, and the minimum age for riders is 15. Fines amount to 200 euros.
Experts note that the EU still lacks uniform regulations for electric scooters, and countries are establishing their own rules. As a result, a “patchwork system” has emerged, where usage conditions range from a complete ban on rentals to a regime with minimal restrictions.
According to European transportation initiatives, a key trend in recent years has been the transition of electric scooters from a “city gadget” to a full-fledged mode of transportation with requirements regarding speed, insurance, technical standards, and permitted areas of operation.
At the same time, debates over safety continue. Proponents of regulation point to the rising number of injuries and incidents. Against this backdrop, further tightening of regulations is expected, especially in major European cities, where the problems of parking, conflicts with pedestrians, and overcrowded sidewalks remain the most acute.
