Safety and Regulation of PMDs
Electric Scooters and Motorized PEVs – Regulations and Safety
Electric scooters, unicycles, segways, and hoverboards are all considered Motorized Personal Electric Vehicles (PEVs). Their presence in public spaces requires strict adherence to rules to ensure the safety of users and other road users.
Essential rules for users:
- Minimum age: 14 years old since September 1, 2023.
- Prudent behavior: safe riding, prohibition of alcohol or drugs, no carrying passengers, prohibition of using headphones or a handheld phone.
- Mandatory insurance: all users must be covered by insurance adapted to motorized PEVs.
- Equipment: helmet recommended, mandatory front and rear lights, retro-reflective devices, braking system, and audible warning device.
- Speed: all PEVs must be limited to a maximum of 25 km/h.
Roadways:
- Prohibited from riding on sidewalks, except when walking.
- In urban areas: mandatory use of cycle paths or lanes; failing that, on roads with a speed limit of ≤ 50 km/h.
- Outside urban areas: use of greenways or cycle paths; certain roads may be authorized by the police.
- Parking allowed on sidewalks without obstructing pedestrians.
Main penalties since September 1, 2023:
- Non-compliance with traffic rules or carrying a passenger: €135 fine.
- Riding on prohibited sidewalks or de-restricting the device: €135 fine.
- Riding a device exceeding 25 km/h: €1,500 fine.
For more official information, consult 👉 decree n°2019-1082 and the PEV regulations on the website of the Ministry of Ecological Transition .
