Brussels: (Brussels Morning) Scooter-sharing companies in Brussels now require users to verify their age and identity through ID photos and selfies to ensure safe and legal use enforcing regulations for riders under 16.
Voi, Bolt and Dott now need users to show a photo of their ID like a driver’s license or passport to prove their age. Users also have to take a selfie which is checked against the ID to make sure they are who they say they are. So by checking users’ age and identity scooter-sharing companies in Brussels are making sure people ride safely and follow the rules. This helps prevent underage riding and encourages responsible scooter use. It’s a way for Brussels and the companies to make sure everyone uses scooter services safely and legally creating a secure environment for people in the city.
What are the new rules for electric scooter use in Brussels and how are scooter companies responding?
Inge Paemen from Brussels Mobility said that kids under sixteen can’t ride electric scooters by law. But some scooter companies let younger kids ride which breaks the rule. Brussels Mobility is now working to make sure everyone follows the law about who can ride electric scooters. So starting July 8th, Brussels Mobility made new rules for scooter companies. Now operators have to check how old users are before they let them ride electric scooters. The companies can decide how to do this check like asking for a photo of an ID and a selfie to confirm who they are. Brussels Mobility wants to make sure people use scooter services safely and follow the rules. They’re doing this to prevent kids from riding scooters illegally and to make the city safer for everyone.
Lime the scooter company linked to Uber has chosen not to do the age check that Brussels Mobility asked for right now. Lime thinks there’s no law saying they have to do this check. This is different from other companies in Brussels who are following the new rules to stop kids from riding electric scooters. Brussels Mobility hasn’t said anything right away about Lime’s decision. Inge Paemen from Brussels Mobility mentioned they’re looking closely at Lime’s reasons before saying more. For now the age check rule is still in place for scooter companies since July 8th. The situation is still not settled and they might need more information or legal discussions to figure it out for all scooter services in Brussels.
What are Voi’s policies on age verification for e-scooter riders in Brussels and how are they enforcing the rules?
Voi says the age check is quick and doesn’t mess with your privacy. They use another company to do it and they follow all the privacy rules. Voi thinks it’s vital for all scooter companies to play by the rules to keep things fair. Voi had this check since last October to show they follow the rules in Brussels. Even though Voi stopped the check in January because they lost many users now they’ve brought it back from the first ride to make sure everyone follows the same rules. Voi’s license in Brussels ends in August this year while Lime’s goes until July next year. Brussels Mobility is still figuring out how to make sure all operators follow the rules. Inge Paemen from Brussels Mobility says it’s the rider’s job to follow the rules especially not riding if you’re under sixteen or with two people. If someone under sixteen is caught on an electric scooter they could get a 58 euro fine.
