Electric scooters: the new traffic rules in 2026

Helmet, speed, parking: the rules are tightening for users of electric scooters. Here are the new obligations and the sanctions planned.

Since September 2023 and with the 2026 adjustments, riding an electric scooter follows stricter rules. Obligations, prohibitions, fines: we take stock.

What are the current rules for riding an electric scooter?

In France, electric scooter traffic rules are based on a framework gradually strengthened since 2019, the date of their integration into the Highway Code as a motorized personal transport vehicles (EDPM). The decree of 31st August 2023 marked a major turning point, and several provisions continue to apply in 2026.

Here are them obligations in force what every user should know:

Minimum age 14 years : since September 2023, you must be at least 14 years old to drive an electric scooter on public roads. Before this date, the minimum age was set at 12 years.
Speed limited to 25 km/h : the maximum authorized speed remains set at 25 km/h. Some municipalities have lowered this limit to 10 km/h in pedestrian or high density areas.
No driving on sidewalks : unless municipal decree to the contrary or with the engine off, electric scooters must use cycle paths or, failing that, the roadway in areas limited to 50 km/h.
Only one passenger : the transport of a second passenger is prohibited. This rule, often ignored, is subject to regular checks.
Mandatory equipment on the machine : front and rear lights, reflectors (reflective devices), horn and braking system are required by the Highway Code.

Is a helmet compulsory on an electric scooter?

Wearing a helmet is compulsory for minors (under 18 years old) since the decree of September 2023. For adults, the helmet remains strongly recommended by Road Safety but is not imposed by law at the national level, as of April 2026.

Several metropolises have, however, issued local decrees making helmets compulsory for all users within their area. Before traveling in a city you don’t know, check the municipal bylaws in force. Road Safety reminds that the head is affected in 40% of serious accidents involving EDPM.

The retroreflective vest (or signaling equipment) is for its part mandatory at night or when visibility is insufficient, and this for all users without exception.

What fines in the event of an infraction?

The fines provided for electric scooter offenses are aligned with the road traffic ticket scale. The amount varies depending on the nature of the offense, and law enforcement has been intensifying checks in large cities since 2024.

Here are some applicable sanctions:

Failure to comply with traffic rules or transport of a passenger : 135 euros fine (4^e class).
Traffic on a sidewalk : 135 euros fine (contravention of 4^e class).
Exceeding the maximum authorized speed 135 euros. If the machine has been unrestrained to exceed 25 km/h, the fine can reach 1,500 euros.
Failure to comply with lighting or equipment rules 35 euros.
Driving under the influence of alcohol (rate greater than or equal to 0.5 g/l of blood): the same criminal sanctions as for a driver of a motor vehicle apply.

Note that unclamping an electric scooter above 25 km/h transforms the machine into a moped in the eyes of the law. The user must then have a permit, registration and specific insurance, under penalty of heavier criminal sanctions.

Is insurance compulsory?

Civil liability insurance is compulsory for any user of an electric scooter traveling on public roads. This obligation, included in the Insurance Code for land motor vehicles, concerns both personal and self-service vehicles (for which the operator generally takes out coverage).

Driving without insurance exposes you to a fixed fine up to 3,750 euros. In the event of a bodily accident without insurance, the user must compensate the victim from their own funds. The Compulsory Insurance Guarantee Fund (FGAO) can intervene to compensate the victim, then take action against the uninsured person responsible.

Parking and self-service: what cities impose

THE parking and usage rules electric scooters vary greatly from one municipality to another, because mayors have local regulatory power over EDPMs since the mobility orientation law (LOM).

Several trends are emerging in 2026:

Dedicated parking areas : more and more cities require scooters to be parked in spaces marked on the ground. Outside of these areas, the machine can be removed and a fine applied.
Restricted traffic zones : certain historic city centers or pedestrian zones are completely prohibited for EDPM, even with the engine off in certain cases.
Geolocation control : shared fleet operators now use “geofencing” to automatically slow down scooters in sensitive areas (around schools, markets, pedestrian areas).

To find out the precise rules applicable in your municipality, consult your town hall website.

Before each trip, check that: