Electric scooter riders in Paris must comply with stricter safety requirements as authorities seek to reduce serious and fatal accidents. The rules also apply to other personal electric transport devices, including electric unicycles and hoverboards.
Riders on public roads must now wear an approved helmet and a high-visibility vest. Failure to wear a helmet can result in a fine of €135, while riding without a vest or retro-reflectors carries a €35 penalty.
The measures follow a significant increase in accidents involving e-scooters. Police cited figures from France’s road safety watchdog showing that 79 people were killed in e-scooter accidents last year, compared with 45 the previous year. Around 1,100 people were injured in such accidents in Paris, an increase of 33 per cent year on year.
Paris already has several restrictions on e-scooter use. Riders must be at least 14 years old, carrying passengers is prohibited, and the maximum permitted speed is 25 km/h. And the French capital banned shared rental e-scooters in 2023 following concerns over road safety and vehicles obstructing pavements. Privately owned e-scooters remained permitted. Other European capitals have also restricted shared e-scooters.
