The Belgian mobility ecosystem continues to evolve at a rapid pace, driven by changing consumer behaviours, electrification, sustainability ambitions, technological innovation, and new insurance solutions. From the growing adoption of cycling and e-mobility to the emergence of AI-powered claims management and accelerated vehicle repair models, insurers, mobility providers, and public authorities are actively reshaping the way Belgians move.
Mobility has been a particularly active topic in recent weeks, with several insurers, mobility providers, and industry organisations publishing new studies and market insights. To help our readers focus on what matters most, we have curated the developments that we believe are the most relevant for professionals across the insurance and financial services ecosystem.
Ethias mobility survey: Car remains essential for Belgians despite soaring fuel prices
29/05/2026 – Source
A new mobility survey conducted by Ethias and Ipsos shows that the car remains the dominant mode of transport in Belgium, despite rising fuel prices and ongoing energy market pressures. While 81% of Belgians use a private car and 60% consider it their primary mode of transport, nearly 4 in 10 respondents have already adjusted their mobility habits in response to the energy crisis, mainly by reducing non-essential trips, combining journeys, or increasing their use of bicycles and public transport.
The study also highlights broader shifts in Belgian mobility patterns. Cycling continues to gain traction, particularly in Flanders and urban areas, with 48% of Belgians now using a bicycle and almost half of bike owners commuting by bike. Interest in electric vehicles remains significant, with 36% considering a switch to EVs, although high purchase costs, charging infrastructure, and range concerns continue to slow adoption. Meanwhile, shared mobility solutions attract interest but remain marginal in practice.
The findings reveal strong regional and generational differences: Flanders leads in cycling and multimodal mobility, Brussels embraces public transport and shared mobility, while dependence on private cars remains highest in Wallonia and rural areas. Overall, the survey suggests that while Belgians are gradually adapting their travel habits, the transition towards more diversified mobility remains uneven and constrained by infrastructure, affordability, and local realities.
Belgians cycle more often and further, but maintenance and insurance awareness lag behind
21/05/2026 – Source
A new survey conducted by KBC Bank & Insurance, CBC Insurance and KBC Autolease reveals that cycling has become a core part of daily mobility in Belgium. More than half of cyclists ride several times a week or daily, while 51% use their bike for commuting, often over distances exceeding 10 kilometres. The growing popularity of e-bikes is helping more Belgians replace or complement other modes of transport with cycling.
Despite this increased usage, maintenance habits remain a concern. Four in ten cyclists only service their bikes when repairs become necessary, while repair shops report that fewer than 40% of bicycles brought in are actually in good condition. The study also highlights a significant knowledge gap around bicycle insurance and roadside assistance. Although theft remains a major concern—particularly for e-bike owners—only one cyclist in three has insurance coverage for theft or damage, often due to limited awareness of available solutions and their benefits.
AXA launches fast-track repair network to cut vehicle repair times
11/05/2026 – Source
AXA Belgium has launched AXA Fast Car Repair, a dedicated vehicle repair network developed in partnership with the Cryns Group to accelerate the handling of motor claims. Inspired by Formula 1 pitstop principles, the model allows teams to focus on one vehicle at a time, reducing repair times to just four to five days, compared with waiting periods that can exceed a month in the traditional body repair market.
The initiative aims to address growing pressure on the Belgian repair sector caused by labour shortages and increasing demand. Customers can report a claim online or through their broker and are contacted by the selected repair centre within 24 hours. AXA also integrates sustainability into the process by prioritising repairs over replacements and offering the use of certified circular parts, reducing material consumption and lowering CO₂ emissions. The insurer currently operates four Fast Car Repair centres and plans to expand the network to ten locations by 2027, ensuring that customers across Belgium have access to a centre within a 30-minute drive.
Bike theft remains the main driver of bicycle insurance uptake
04/05/2026 – Source
Bike theft continues to be a major concern for Belgian cyclists, with 93% of bicycle insurance policies including theft coverage, according to Assuralia. The growing popularity of electric and high-end bicycles has contributed to an 8.5% increase in bike insurance policies in 2025, as owners seek greater protection for their investments.
Federal Police figures show that nearly 27,000 bicycle thefts were reported in Belgium in 2024, while more than 11,000 thefts had already been recorded during the first half of 2025. Although theft remains the primary reason for taking out insurance, insurers also offer coverage for material damage, bodily injury, and roadside assistance. Assuralia further highlights the importance of prevention measures such as secure locks, bicycle registration, and proper storage, particularly for electric bikes, whose growing value makes them increasingly attractive targets for theft.
DKV Mobility acquires Belgian eMobility specialist Optimile
04/05/2026 – Source
DKV Mobility has signed an agreement with BNP Paribas Fortis and AG Insurance to acquire Optimile, the Belgian eMobility scale-up behind the Mobiflow charging platform. Founded in Ghent in 2016, Optimile develops software and charging-as-a-service (CaaS) solutions that help businesses and drivers manage electric vehicle charging infrastructure and related services.
The acquisition marks a new chapter for Optimile, which employs around 60 people and serves customers in Belgium and an expanding number of international markets. By joining DKV Mobility, a leading European provider of mobility payment and service solutions, Optimile gains access to a broader international platform to accelerate its growth and expand its footprint across Europe. The transaction also reflects the growing strategic importance of eMobility solutions as businesses and consumers continue their transition towards electric transport.
5th Europ Assistance barometer
26/03/2026 – Source
The fifth edition of the Europ Assistance Belgium Mobility Barometer reveals that Belgians remain highly dependent on their cars, despite growing discussions around sustainable mobility and electrification. 75% of car owners say they cannot do without their vehicle, while 62% state that their next car will not be electric. More broadly, 40% of respondents remain sceptical about mobility policies promoting alternative transport solutions.
While interest in electric vehicles continues to grow, adoption remains constrained by high purchase costs, charging infrastructure concerns, and uncertainty surrounding battery performance. Only 38% of Belgians expect their next vehicle to be fully electric, and 74% would not consider buying a second-hand electric vehicle. At the same time, a majority of respondents acknowledge improvements in charging infrastructure, although many still consider the network insufficient.
The study also highlights mixed perceptions of urban mobility. Although more than half of respondents believe conditions for cyclists and other soft mobility users have improved, concerns about safety remain widespread. Looking ahead, 40% of Belgians expect mobility conditions in cities to deteriorate, underscoring the challenges policymakers face in balancing sustainability ambitions with practical mobility needs.