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?
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Frequently asked
Your questions on this topic
What rules to ride an electric scooter in 2026?
5 strict rules: minimum age 14, speed limited to 25 km/h, riding reserved for cycle paths or roadway (never on pavement, 135 euros fine), one user at a time (135 euros if passenger), position lights mandatory at night. Helmet is recommended but not mandatory (except outside built-up areas). Specific civil liability insurance is mandatory (35 euros per year on average).
Is the helmet mandatory on electric scooter in 2026?
The CE-approved helmet is mandatory only outside built-up areas (135 euros and 3 points if absent). In town, it remains strongly recommended but not penalised. The City of Paris reinforced prevention since 2023 with helmets offered on purchase. 70 percent of serious scooter injuries concern the head according to Sante publique France. Count 30 to 80 euros for an urban helmet certified NF EN 1078.
What sanctions for the electric scooter in 2026?
5 main sanctions: pavement riding (135 euros), speeding (1,500 euros if unrestricted detected), passenger transport (135 euros), no insurance (3,750 euros and confiscation), driving under alcohol 0.5 g/l (3,750 euros, 1 year in prison, immobilisation). Parisian video enforcement automatically detects offences. 6,500 annual fines in Paris in 2025.
Do you need insurance for an electric scooter in 2026?
Yes, civil liability insurance is mandatory since 2019, even for shared scooters. No insurance: 3,750 euros fine and vehicle confiscation. Subscription possible at main insurers (Maif, Macif, Matmut) or specialists (Wizzas, Luko) from 35 euros per year. Check your home contract: 30 percent of insurers include scooters free in civil liability.
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