In view of the growing popularity of electric scooters, authorities have had to strengthen regulations. Their use has indeed raised many safety questions, particularly due to the dangers they pose to pedestrians. In this article, we explain why electric scooters are prohibited from operating on sidewalks, and what alternatives exist to continue using a scooter legally.
Why are electric scooters prohibited on sidewalks?
Today, electric scooters are an integral part of the urban landscape. Practical and eco-friendly, they have established themselves as a reliable means of transportation on a daily basis. However, their proliferation can pose problems for other road users, particularly pedestrians. Authorities have had to strengthen regulations to protect the most vulnerable. Here are the details.
Stricter regulations to protect pedestrians
In 2024, electric scooter accidents have multiplied. The risks of collision with pedestrians are greater, becoming a real concern for the authorities. Statistics reveal that in 2022, about 30% of accidents involving electric scooters were collisions with pedestrians on sidewalks.
In light of this situation, the public authorities had to strengthen the traffic rules.
From now on, it is strictly forbidden to ride on sidewalks with an electric scooter. The aim of this ban is to preserve a safe space dedicated exclusively to pedestrians. It promises not only to reduce accidents but also to hold riders accountable by encouraging them to use appropriate infrastructures such as bike lanes and paths.
Framing a mode of transport in full expansion
The growing popularity of electric scooters has led to a true revolution in urban mobility. It has particularly highlighted many flaws in the legislation, especially regarding parking and traffic.
Large cities have seen the emergence of chaotic parking, with scooters left in the middle of sidewalks, thus obstructing pedestrians and people with reduced mobility.
Some users even engage in reckless behavior by driving without adhering to the Highway Code. Municipalities have had to intervene to regulate their use and prevent total chaos. They will now have to park in designated spots and drive in dedicated areas.
What are the penalties for non-compliance with this prohibition?
Riding on the sidewalk with an electric scooter is not without consequences. To deter reckless users, the authorities have implemented administrative and financial penalties. Here are the measures imposed by law enforcement.
The amount of fines and the penalties incurred
Riding illegally on the sidewalk exposes you to a fine of €135. But there is worse. The absence of insurance can lead to a fine of up to €3,750, not to mention the various fines for illegal parking and speeding violations. In several major cities in France, awareness campaigns are regularly organized for electric scooter users. They are asked to remain vigilant and to strictly adhere to the new rules to avoid heavy penalties.
Who will be responsible for enforcing the regulations?
To enforce the new rules, the authority has increased surveillance in public spaces. The police and gendarmerie will be responsible for conducting regular checks and penalizing offenders. As for the municipalities, they will be able to adapt the rules locally and implement monitoring systems to ensure compliance with the new restrictions.
Responsibilities of "wheelers": what to do in case of an accident?
When using an electric scooter, you cannot just enjoy the ride. The responsibility in case of an accident, especially if you injure a pedestrian, falls directly on you. But then, what happens if an incident occurs? And what are the obligations of users?
The civil liability of the user
In the event of a collision or damage caused to a third party, the user of the scooter is held responsible. If you injure a pedestrian, for example, you may be required to cover medical expenses and compensation, especially if you are found at fault. It is not just a matter of following the rules; it is also a matter of safety for all road users.
Insurance: is it mandatory?
The question that often arises: is insurance necessary? The answer is clear: although specific insurance for scooters is not always mandatory, it is strongly recommended. Besides the fines related to riding on sidewalks, the lack of insurance in case of damage to others can lead to much more serious penalties, including hefty fines.
In France, for electric scooters, civil liability can be included in your home insurance contract. But be careful, if you don't have it, you risk a fine and complications in case of an accident. Some cities and some electric scooter operators require you to be insured to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Why take out insurance?
Insurance is not just an administrative formality. It protects not only pedestrians but also users. If you are a victim of an accident as a driver, good insurance will help cover your medical expenses and protect you against financial claims. In short, driving safely also means insuring against risks.
Where can you legally ride an electric scooter?
Since sidewalks are prohibited for electric scooters, users have little choice but to comply with the provisions of the Highway Code. Several infrastructures are also made available to them to ensure safe circulation and harmonious coexistence with other road users.
Cycling paths and other dedicated infrastructures
In recent years, bike lanes have become the main routes used by electric scooters. Originally designed for bicycles, their use has been expanded to include electric bikes and electric scooters to protect pedestrians and streamline traffic in the city.
However, not all cities have a sufficiently developed network of bike paths to accommodate electric scooters. Municipalities are continuously working on the development of new infrastructures to address this gap and provide riders with a safe environment where they can ride legally.
Reimagined bike paths
Some major cities, like Paris or Lyon, have opted for the expansion of bike lanes. These dedicated areas are no longer reserved just for bicycles, but also for electric scooters. The idea? To provide a secure space, away from pedestrians, to avoid accidents while facilitating the movement of users of these new means of transport.
The roadway: an interesting alternative subject to certain conditions
When bike lanes are not available, users can ride on roads where the speed limit is 50 km/h. This alternative helps ensure a certain fluidity in traffic, but carries risks regarding coexistence with other road users.
Riders will therefore need to exercise caution and scrupulously adhere to the Highway Code in order to avoid tragedies: wearing a helmet, protective gear, reflective devices, respecting priorities, etc.
Special lanes for better flow
But some municipalities go even further and create lanes reserved for scooters and cyclists. These special streets or lanes help to smooth traffic by clearly separating the different modes of transport. The result: less risk of conflicts between pedestrians, scooters, and motor vehicles, and much more harmonious traffic.
What changes for users and manufacturers?
Banning electric scooters on sidewalks leads to major changes for both users and manufacturers. These new rules aim to enhance user safety and better regulate the use of this rapidly growing mode of transport.
New obligations for drivers
Users of electric scooters must now comply with stricter safety requirements. Wearing a helmet is strongly recommended, and the vehicles must be equipped with effective brakes, adequate lighting, and a sound horn to improve visibility and reduce the risk of accidents.
Furthermore, awareness campaigns are being implemented to inform drivers about good practices and the dangers associated with irresponsible use. These initiatives aim to empower users and encourage more cautious driving, especially in urban areas where traffic density is higher. The goal is to promote a harmonious integration of electric scooters into urban spaces while ensuring the safety of everyone.
The evolution of scooter models
Due to new regulatory requirements, manufacturers have had to adapt by offering safer models that comply with current standards. This involves the integration of advanced technologies designed to enhance user comfort and safety. Innovations particularly focus on improving braking systems.
Current electric scooters are equipped with more effective and responsive braking, greatly reducing the risk of accidents. They also incorporate better lighting systems to improve visibility in low-light conditions. Not to mention more efficient sound signals that allow riders to announce their presence on the road.
Finally, modern electric scooters all have automatic speed limiting systems to prevent any violations of the rules of the Highway Code.
FAQ
What is the maximum speed allowed for an electric scooter?
In France, the maximum allowed speed for an electric scooter is 25 km/h. If your scooter exceeds this speed, it is considered a motorized vehicle and stricter rules apply.
How do authorities monitor the use of electric scooters?
Local authorities use a combination of physical controls (police patrols) and technologies, such as the geolocation of shared scooters, to ensure compliance with traffic and parking rules. Some cities are also experimenting with mobile radar systems to monitor speed.
Why does this ban mainly concern sidewalks and not other public spaces?
Sidewalks are exclusively reserved for pedestrians. Allowing scooters to circulate in these spaces would be dangerous, especially in areas with high pedestrian density. Other spaces like bike lanes or roads are better suited for the circulation of this type of vehicle.
Are other vehicles, such as electric bikes, also prohibited on sidewalks?
Yes, just like electric scooters, electric bikes are also prohibited on sidewalks, except in certain specific situations where traffic is too dangerous on the road. The rules aim to reduce risks for pedestrians while allowing cyclists and scooter users to travel safely on dedicated infrastructures.
Conclusion
Prohibiting electric scooters on sidewalks is part of a desire to protect the integrity of users during their travels in the city. By establishing clear rules, the authorities aim to reduce accidents and conflicts between road users. In the future, legislative developments will continue to adapt the rules to the realities on the ground, and infrastructures will continue to flourish to ease traffic in the city. At Weebot, we ensure that our products are always compliant with current regulations. You can make your purchase with us without any worries!