Who can ride an e-scooter in 2026?
Minimum age 14. No licence required, provided the scooter meets EDPM criteria: power ≤ 350 W, speed capped at 25 km/h, no seat.
Rules of use in 2026
Where to ride?
On cycle lanes (mandatory where they exist), otherwise on roads limited to 50 km/h maximum. In the city, you can ride against traffic on cycle-contraflow streets. Pavements: forbidden except walking-pace pedestrian zones (6 km/h).
Helmet: mandatory since 2024
Since 1 January 2024, the helmet is mandatory for all e-scooter riders in France, including in city areas. Fine: €135. The rule aligns with moped regulation.
Extra equipment
Front/rear lights, bell, reflective devices. Reflective vest mandatory at night or in low visibility.
Main penalties
Speed over 25 km/h
€1,500 fine (€1,875 for repeat). Watch out for so-called "derestricted" scooters reaching 35–60 km/h: entirely illegal, equipment seizure possible.
Two people on the scooter
€135 fine. Carrying a passenger is strictly forbidden. Parents should explain this to their teens.
Alcohol and drugs
Same rules as in a car: 0.5 g/L max (0.2 g/L for novices, though scooters are not subject to the probationary period). Drugs: zero tolerance.
Phone use
€135 fine. Even single earbuds are forbidden. Listen to music via Bluetooth without in-ear devices.
Mandatory insurance
Since 2019, a specific third-party insurance for scooters is mandatory. Your home insurance does not necessarily cover EDPM claims. Dedicated packages from €45/year (Wizzas, Assurmoove, L'olivier), up to €200/year for comprehensive + theft.
Shared e-scooters
Paris removed shared e-scooter fleets in September 2023 (referendum). Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Nice keep them with strict rules (reserved parking, speed capped at 10 km/h in city centres).
Practical tips for 2026
Choosing your scooter
Go for an EU-certified model (CE mark mandatory). Reputable brands: Xiaomi, Segway-Ninebot, Dualtron, Kaabo. Beware of imported non-homologated models.
Safety first
Full-face or urban helmet (€35–120), gloves, knee and elbow pads for long trips. Wrist injuries account for 40% of post-fall hospitalisations.
Next step
How to get the right support?
DevisPermis.fr connects you for free with a certified driving school near you. Answer 5 questions in 2 minutes, and an advisor will call you back within 48h* to offer a tailored package.
Discuss it for free*Excluding Sundays and public holidays