Riding a scooter without a licence in Belgium: class A (25 km/h) explained

Yes, you can ride a scooter without a licence in Belgium: it is class A, a moped limited to 25 km/h, open to riders from age 16. But « no licence » does not mean no rules: a number plate, insurance and a helmet remain compulsory, and you often have to ride on the cycle lane. Here is everything you need to know, checked against the official texts.

The key points in 30 seconds

• Speed: 25 km/h maximum, by design.
• Age: 16 minimum, no licence required.
• Passenger: only if you are 18 and the scooter has a passenger seat.
• Compulsory: number plate (S-A), third-party liability insurance, approved helmet.
• Where to ride: on the cycle lane when there is one on your right; never on the motorway.
• In Brussels: a petrol 50cc must be Euro 5 from 2028 and will be banned from the LEZ from 2030.

Class A or class B: what is the difference?

In Belgium a moped has a petrol engine of up to 50 cc, or an electric motor of up to 4 kW. What separates the two classes is speed:

• Class A: 25 km/h maximum. No licence, from age 16.
• Class B: 45 km/h maximum. AM licence required (test from age 16), or a B (car) licence, which includes AM.

The same model can come in both versions: this is the case for our 50cc scooters, available in class A (no licence) or class B. For other licences (125, motorcycle), see our guide to motorcycle and scooter licences in Belgium.

Plate, insurance, helmet: the three obligations

• The plate: every moped must be registered. The class A plate carries the letters S-A. Your insurer registers it online; the plate arrives by post and costs €30.
• Third-party liability insurance is compulsory. The exemption for some 25 km/h devices only applies to those weighing 25 kg or less, such as a kick scooter; a moped weighs 80 to 110 kg.
• The helmet is compulsory for rider and passenger, approved to ECE 22.05 or 22.06. Gloves and a jacket are recommended, not compulsory: see our article on gear.

Carry your identity card, the registration certificate and the insurance certificate.

Where to ride a class A scooter

• The cycle lane is compulsory for a two-wheeled class A scooter, when it is usable and on the right of your direction of travel.
• Motorways and expressways: banned.
• One-way streets: riding against the flow is only allowed where a sign also permits mopeds. A sign that only allows cyclists does not apply to you.
• Pedestrian zones: closed to mopeds, even where bicycles are allowed.

In Brussels most streets are limited to 30 km/h: a 25 km/h scooter remains practical for short trips. On the main roads, class B at 45 km/h is more comfortable.

With a passenger?

Only if you are 18, and the scooter has a passenger seat with footrests provided by the manufacturer. Children under 3 may not ride on a two-wheeler; from 3 to 8, only in a suitable child seat. The passenger also wears a helmet.

Going from 25 to 45 km/h: what is legal

A class A scooter cannot simply be « derestricted ». To ride at 45 km/h legally, the scooter must be type-approved in its class B version (with the matching certificate of conformity), registered with an S-B plate, insured for that category, and you must hold an AM or B licence. A tampered scooter that exceeds 25 km/h is no longer covered by its insurance or registration: the police will impound it, and after an accident the insurer will claim the costs back from the rider.

The simplest approach: if you plan to take your AM licence, choose the right version when you buy. Talk to us about your plans before buying.

Do not confuse

• An e-bike (assistance up to 25 km/h, 250 W) is a bicycle: no plate, no insurance, no minimum age.
• A speed pedelec (bike up to 45 km/h) follows the rules for a class B moped: plate, insurance, helmet, AM or B licence.
• A « licence-free car » (microcar) actually requires an AM licence in Belgium.
• French and Dutch websites describe their own national rules, which do not apply in Belgium.

Petrol or electric?

A new Euro 5 petrol 50cc can ride in Brussels until 31 December 2029; from 2030, no petrol moped may enter the low emission zone. Electric models have no end date. Details are in our article on the LEZ, and our electric or petrol comparison puts figures on both. Some electric scooters also come in a 25 km/h version: ask us.

Taxes

A moped pays neither registration tax nor annual road tax. Your budget comes down to the scooter, the plate, insurance and a helmet.

Find your licence-free scooter in Brussels

All our new 50cc scooters are available in class A: Vespa, Piaggio, SYM and Aprilia. Come and see us in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert: we will help you choose according to your age, your journeys and your budget, and our workshop takes care of servicing. A question? Contact us.

Frequently asked questions

Can I ride a scooter without a licence at 16?

Yes, a class A scooter (25 km/h). For a 45 km/h scooter you need an AM licence, which you can take from age 16.

Is insurance needed for a 25 km/h scooter?

Yes. Third-party liability insurance is compulsory for every moped, including class A.

Does a licence-free scooter need a number plate?

Yes: an S-A plate, requested by your insurer. It costs €30.

Can I carry a passenger?

Only from age 18, on a scooter with a passenger seat.

Can I ride on the road or must I use the cycle lane?

The cycle lane is compulsory where there is one on your right. Otherwise you ride on the road, never on the motorway.

Will my 50cc scooter still be allowed in Brussels?

If it is petrol: without conditions until the end of 2027, then until the end of 2029 if it is Euro 5. From 2030, only electric models may enter the zone.

Rules checked on 18 October 2026 against the official texts: Highway Code and mobilit.belgium.be. A new Public Road Code comes into force on 1 June 2027: we will update this article then. Image: Piaggio Liberty 50, Piaggio.