Electric scooters must be approved if they exceed 25 km/h. From this speed, these two wheels are considered mopeds. In this specific case, you can only use them on private roads. Weebot tells you more.
The different models of electric scooters
Before proceeding with the purchase of your new electric scooter, you should know that there are different models of electric scooters on the market. Weebot explains their different characteristics:
- Electric scooters reach a top speed of less than 6 km/h.
- Electric scooters with a top speed of between 6 and 25 km/h.
- Electric scooters exceed 25 km/h.
Faster scooters are generally more powerful and suitable for riding on all types of terrain. Conversely, slower scooters are exclusively suitable for city riding. Note that these are the parameters that define whether your scooter must be approved or not.
What is the certification of an electric scooter?
Electric scooters that are not approved are much more numerous on the market because they are naturally limited to 25 km/h. More powerful models must be homologated. In other words, it is mandatory to declare your vehicle.
To achieve this, you must go to the prefecture or complete the procedure online on a site designed for this purpose. Once the steps have been taken, you will receive a unique authentication number for your vehicle. This number, registered in a database, will allow you both to declare and quickly identify your vehicle in the event of theft.
Approving an electric scooter: What does the law say?
According to the law, homologating your scooter may be mandatory depending on the speed level of your two wheels. Indeed, if you have a scooter with a top speed of 25 km / h, you will not have to proceed to an homologation. 25 km/h scooters are automatically considered homologated to European standards.
As soon as your vehicle has the capacity to reach high speeds on private land, it will be considered a moped. In this specific case, the law is very clear: you must imperatively initiate an approval procedure for your electric vehicle under penalty of sanctions.
Among other things, your electrically assisted vehicle will be subject to the Highway Code. Riding a moped can be very dangerous. Speed is more important than on a simple city scooter, so you need to be prepared for any eventuality of falls or accidents. As with a motorcycle, wearing a helmet will be compulsory in order to be able to ride in complete safety and you will be prohibited from riding on the sidewalks during your journeys. Once on public transport, your adult scooter will need to be stored in order to take up minimal space. For this, we recommend that you turn to a foldable model. You will also need to ensure that your components are working properly to avoid accidents. Whether it's your brakes, your suspensions, your shock absorbers, your wheels or your handlebars: everything must be in order. It is also important to switch off your electric motor when you are not using your vehicle or when recharging it. By keeping these tips and regulations in mind, you are sure to be able to make your life easier as an electric scooter owner.
What are the conditions to be met to approve an electric scooter?
The smooth running of the approval process will depend on the certification your electric scooter has. In other words, the most important parameter to consider at this time is the manufacturing standard. It is applicable when it meets European standards.
An electric scooter whose certification is compulsory is marked with a CE label. This label indicates that your two-wheeler is authorized to circulate on French territory and by extension on European territory.
What are the steps to follow to approve your electric scooter?
Before investing, approving your electric scooter, you must go through two essential steps:
The registration of your electric scooter
To register your electric scooter, you will need to go to the Ministry of the Interior to carry out this step or carry out the procedure on the Internet. To achieve this, you will need to present a certificate of conformity that the seller will have issued to you when purchasing your electric scooter. Once this step is completed, an authentication number will be issued to you. It must be fixed to your two wheels on a plate placed on an immovable and fixed part.
Note that if you do not have the certificate, your registration application will be canceled and you will not be able to drive your vehicle.
Insurance for your electric scooter
Insuring your vehicle is essential if it exceeds the authorized speed. It is then considered a moped and must have car insurance and not that of a classic electric scooter.
By opting for insurance, you will have the guarantee of being protected in the event of an accident if material damage and bodily injury are to be declared. You can also be covered if your electric vehicle is stolen!
The rules to follow when riding an electric scooter
When you invest in an electric scooter, you must follow a number of rules. Indeed, like other electric vehicles, scooters are subject to a number of laws. Weebot explains everything to you!
At what age can you ride an electric scooter?
By law, you must be at least 12 years old to ride an electric scooter. The electric scooter is a very ergonomic means of transport that you can handle at any age.
You can therefore drive legally on public roads. Nevertheless, as a young driver we strongly recommend that you equip yourself with a helmet, gloves, elbow and knee pads which will protect you in the event of a fall.
Where can you ride an electric scooter?
The law distinguishes between the different types of electric scooters. Indeed, the rules are different between machines without engine and with engine. If you ride an electric scooter, here are the rules to follow:
- Motorized vehicles exceeding 6 km/h must drive on the road and are subject to the Highway Code of a classic vehicle. These vehicles are considered vehicles and must be homologated.
- Scooters with a speed limit of 6 km/h can use sidewalks provided they do not interfere with pedestrians. These vehicles generally have a speed similar to that of a pedestrian.
Regarding vehicles without motors such as rollerblades or skateboards, their use should only be done on sidewalks provided they do not disturb the tranquility of passers-by.
The equipment necessary for your safety
When you ride an electric scooter you expose yourself to many dangers. So, we recommend that you equip yourself with protections when your electric scooter is approved. Here is a list of the different equipment to have when you are a driver of your electric scooter:
- A helmet: to protect your skull in the event of an impact.
- Gloves: when you fall, your hands are usually the first affected, opting for gloves will protect you while gripping your hands on the handlebars.
- Knee pads and elbow pads: you will be able to protect your elbows and knees in the event of a fall.
You are never safe from an accident even when driving carefully. When riding an electric scooter, it is important to dress accordingly, so be sure to wear clothes suitable for riding on two wheels.
What you need to know during an inspection
To avoid unpleasant surprises during an inspection, you must be prepared. Here are some reflexes to adopt to be able to face a control without constraints and without stress:
What documents do you need to present?
As you will have understood, electric scooters are subject to the Highway Code like a classic vehicle. In the event of an inspection, you must present the certificate of conformity for your vehicle. This is given to you by the manufacturer of your scooter and proves that your electric vehicle meets the standards. Indeed, your two-wheeler must imperatively comply with CE standards and the regulations in force in terms of road safety. You will also need to provide the license plate accompanied by the gray card of your electric scooter.
What penalties do you risk if you are not in good standing?
If you are not in good standing you will be subject to penalties. For example, in the absence of registration or a certificate of conformity, the law exposes you to a fine. This is a fourth class fine of up to 750 euros.
If you don't wear a helmet when riding an electric scooter, you also risk a fine. You may also encounter problems if you ride in a place that is not suitable for driving an electric scooter.
FAQs
How do I know if an electric scooter is approved?
If your scooter has a maximum speed of 25 km/h, it does not need to be homologated. Indeed, homologation is only necessary for electric scooters whose maximum speed exceeds 25 km/h.
What are the obligations for a scooter?
Your two-wheeler must be equipped with an operational lighting and braking system as well as a buzzer or lights (front and rear). To make yourself more visible, we recommend that you wear a reflective vest and a helmet.
Conclusion
Electric scooters are like any other type of vehicle subject to specific legislation. For safety reasons, it is important to have your vehicle homologated if it exceeds the speed limit imposed by law. Your scooter will thus have a unique number registered in a database which will allow you to remain in good standing but also to identify your electric vehicle in the event of theft.