Is the helmet compulsory on an electric scooter?
The electric scooter is part of what is called the EDPM: the new Motorized Personal Mobility Devices, in the same way as the monowheels, Segways and hoverboards (we also speak of NVEI - New Individual Electric Vehicles). This new category of individual means of transport, introduced into the Highway Code by the decree of October 23, 2019 , is subject to very specific regulations.
What about wearing a helmet? Is it compulsory on an electric scooter? The answers here!
Is it mandatory to wear a helmet on an electric scooter?
According to the Service-Public.fr website , here are the rules that apply to wearing a helmet on an electric scooter:
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In built-up areas , on greenways and cycle paths: wearing a helmet on an electric scooter is not compulsory but strongly recommended.
- Outside built-up areas : the electric scooter helmet is compulsory on roads with a maximum authorized speed of 80 km/h (in the event that traffic on these roads is permitted by the local authority).
Why is the helmet not compulsory on an electric scooter?
You should know that an electric scooter can reach a speed of 25km/h. The risk of serious injury in the event of falls, collisions or emergency braking is therefore not negligible. The helmet, although not compulsory, remains essential on an electric scooter.
If no strict regulations have been put in place until today, it would be partly for fear that the obligation to wear a helmet will discourage users from using the electric scooter, in favor of polluting vehicles such as the car. The electric scooter has the advantage of being a non-polluting mode of transport, serving eco-responsible mobility.
→ Good to know : when cycling, wearing a bicycle helmet is compulsory for children under 12 (whether passengers or drivers). In the event of non-compliance with this obligation, the adult driver or accompanying person risks a fine of 135 € . Wearing helmets is also mandatory for speed bikes, electric bikes that can exceed 25 km/h. Equip your child now with one of our children's helmets .
Other electric scooter obligations
Most of the road safety rules concerning the use of electric scooters are similar to those concerning the use of bicycles, with some particularities despite everything.
You should know that users of motorless scooters are considered pedestrians and must ride on the sidewalk, just like skateboard and rollerblade users. On the other hand, all electric locomotion devices , such as electric scooters, monowheels, Segways, hoverboards, segways or electric bicycles must travel on a cycle path (if there is one) or on the roadway. .
If you ride an electric scooter, whether in town or outside urban areas, it is mandatory:
- to be over 12 years old
- to respect the maximum speed authorized during your journeys: 25 km/h
- to have certain mandatory equipment on the scooter: a horn, brakes, front and rear lights, reflective devices at the rear and on the sides.
- take out civil liability insurance to cover damage caused to others
- not to carry a passenger (only one person can be on this machine)
- it is forbidden to drive on the sidewalk (unless you hold the electric scooter in your hand while walking)
- driving under the influence of alcohol or after using narcotics
In town, it is mandatory:
- to ride on cycle paths. If there is none, you can drive on:
- roads with a maximum authorized speed of 50 km/h
- pedestrian areas at a maximum speed of 6 km/h (without disturbing pedestrians)
- to wear retro-reflective clothing or accessories at night or in the event of insufficient daytime visibility
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it is forbidden to use earphones or headphones and to use your phone while holding it in your hand.
Outside cities, it is mandatory:
- you equip with a reflective vest
- driving with the position lights on
Most electric scooters are restricted so that they cannot exceed 25 km/h . However, if your electric vehicle can exceed this speed, you must have it approved by declaring it to the Ministry of the Interior digitally, or at the prefecture. You will then be given a license plate to attach to the scooter.
Discover our collection of reflective clothing .
What are the penalties in the event of non-compliance with the obligations on an electric scooter?
Here are the various respective sanctions in the event of non-compliance with the obligations mentioned above:
- €1,500 fine if you ride an unbridled and unapproved scooter, the maximum speed of which can exceed 25 km/h
- €150 fine for exceeding the maximum authorized speed of 25 km/h (in the case of an unbridled scooter)
- €35 fine in the event of:
- non-compliance with traffic rules
- transporting a passenger
- use of the electric machine by a child under 12 years old
- the absence of front and rear lights and horn
- the absence of a retroreflective vest at night or in the event of insufficient daytime visibility.
- €3,750 fine in the event of non-subscription to a civil liability guarantee
- €135 fine in the event of:
- circulation on the sidewalks (unless authorized by the town hall or if the scooter is held in the hand of the pedestrian)
- wearing headphones while driving
→ To find a helmet for electric scooters, discover our dedicated products.
