September 2023: Paris becomes the first major European capital to remove shared electric scooters. 15,000 Lime, Dott and Tier units vanish from the streets. Three years later, the picture is more mixed than political statements suggested. Here is what really changed.
The ban did not kill scooters in Paris
Massive shift to private ownership
According to Île-de-France Mobilités monitoring, the private electric scooter fleet in the Paris region grew over 40 percent between 2023 and 2025. What disappeared was free-float, not the scooter itself. Vélib bike-share absorbed part of the trips, the rest went private.
Pro fleets still around
A few professional fleets remain. Bird has a very limited footprint. Several courier-oriented operators (Coup, independent riders) keep visible parks in the 11th, 18th, 20th districts. The ecosystem just fragmented.
PMD legal framework in 2026
The personal mobility device category
Electric scooters legally fall under the EDPM category (personal motorised mobility device) introduced into French Highway Code in 2019, tightened in 2023. Three non-negotiable rules: factory-limited 25 km/h top speed, total ban on carrying a passenger, total ban on pavement riding anywhere in France.
Helmet, age, insurance: what is mandatory
Helmet mandatory for minors since July 2023 (recommended for all). Minimum age 14 to ride. Dedicated liability insurance compulsory: a home liability policy does not cover a PMD. Hi-vis vest at night or in poor visibility. Front and rear lights on at all times.
Where can you ride in Paris in 2026?
The general rule
Cycle lanes whenever available. Roadway out of town only if the limit is 50 km/h, which in practice rules out the périphérique and most main roads. In shared zones (20 km/h zones), riding is allowed.
Paris-specific traps
Bois de Vincennes and Bois de Boulogne: allowed on alleys at moderate speed. Lower Seine banks: allowed. Pompidou riverside: shared zone, watch for pedestrians. Champs-Élysées: separated cycle lanes, yes. Place de la Concorde, place Charles-de-Gaulle: very technical, avoid as a beginner. Districts are not equal: the 16th has few lanes, the 11th is saturated.
Fines that hurt
The current rates
Riding on pavement: 135 euros fixed fine. Carrying a passenger: 135 euros. Phone in hand: 135 euros. Helmet missing for a minor: 135 euros. Device unlocked above 25 km/h: fine up to 1,500 euros and possible confiscation. Running a red light: 135 euros, same as a car.
Targeted checks
The Préfecture de police multiplied targeted operations in 2025-2026: park entrances, station exits, places de la République and Bastille. The risk of a check is real, especially at rush hour.
Buying a scooter in 2026: what matters
Pick an EDPM-compliant model
Look for the EDPM mention or machine certification. Factory 25 km/h limit, manufacturer plate, front and rear brakes, permanent lighting, horn. Reference 2026 models: Xiaomi Pro 3, Segway Ninebot Max G2, Decathlon BTwin, Dualtron for premium - but many Dualtrons sell unlocked and therefore illegal on public roads.
The unlocking trap
Unlocking a scooter to 35-45 km/h removes it from EDPM status and requires registration, motorbike insurance, an adapted licence. On public roads: illegal without paperwork. In case of crash: no insurance cover, aggravated criminal liability.
Comparison with other inner-city modes
Scooter versus Vélib
Personal scooter: zero usage cost after purchase (250 to 900 euros), fast trips, 25 to 60 km range. Drawback: easy theft target, you carry or lock it at every stop. Electric Vélib: 9.30 euros per month V-Plus 2026, available everywhere, no theft worry. Choose by profile: scooter for fixed daily trips, Vélib for occasional use.
Scooter versus public transport
Navigo pass at 88.80 euros per month in 2026, RATP plus SNCF plus bus and tram included. The scooter wins on 1-to-5 km door-to-door trips. It loses as soon as it rains, when you carry stuff, or when you ride beyond 7-8 km per trip.
DevisPermis expert opinion
A personal scooter remains relevant in Paris for fixed 1-to-5 km trips, provided you have somewhere to stash it overnight and a serious U-lock when stopping. For someone studying for their B licence in parallel, it is an ideal transitional mobility: no metro dependency, real-world Paris traffic learning, road culture transferable to driving later.
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Frequently asked
Your questions on this topic
Are electric scooters banned in Paris in 2026?
No, only free-floating (Lime, Dott, Tier) was banned in Paris in September 2023 following the referendum (89 percent against). Personal electric scooters remain allowed throughout France under EDPM status, with Highway Code rules: 25 km/h max, priority cycle lanes, pavement ban (135 euros fine).
What is the minimum age for an electric scooter in 2026?
Since the July 2023 decree, electric scooters are banned for under-14s (vs 12 previously). Helmet is mandatory up to age 16, recommended beyond. Riding two-up is forbidden, as is wearing earphones. Civil liability insurance is mandatory, often included in home contents insurance.
Do you need insurance for an electric scooter?
Yes, civil liability insurance is mandatory for any EDPM electric scooter in France. Riding without exposes you to 3,750 euros fine and confiscation. Home insurance sometimes covers automatically, otherwise count 50 to 120 euros/year with a specialist insurer (Luko, Coverd, Maif). Check rider injury cover, often optional.
What is the maximum speed for an electric scooter in town?
The legal maximum speed of an electric scooter in town is 25 km/h on public roads. Exceeding exposes you to 1,500 euros fine and confiscation (35 euros if exceeding by less than 5 km/h). Models limited to 25 km/h are the only road-homologated ones. Derestricting turns the EDPM into a moped, requiring AM licence, registration and motorcycle insurance.
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