While it may not be as dramatic as airlines canceling flights over fuel prices or adding surcharges, Belgium is seeing another effect of the war-driven jump in fuel prices—more people on e-scooters and e-bikes.
Since the price surge began at the end of February, use of the ‘micro-mobility’ devices has jumped 67%, according to operators, who say it’s a ‘historic high’ for usage. There is normally a jump in use around now as weather warms, but the jump last year was 30%, leaving high fuel prices to account for the other 37%.
The operators, mainly Bolt and Dott, also report an increase in use for travelers who take trains or buses in from more distant areas and switch to bikes or scooters for ‘the last mile.’ Predictably, use also jumps on days when transit workers strike.
