According to a decree issued on March 15, 2024, the M12 sign now applies to motorized personal travel vehicles. With the rise in the use of scooters and electric bikes, it is imperative to adapt traffic rules in order to better integrate these new road users into the urban environment. This is why regulations have evolved significantly in recent years. This therefore involves many changes in the daily lives of scooter users. Weebot therefore presents to you the interest of this change in your daily life.
What is the M12 sign and what does it mean?
What is M12 panel?
The M12 sign is an essential element of French road signage. Similar to a yield sign, these signs are located on right-hand priority intersections. It is found in large urban areas such as Paris, Lyon, Nantes and Bordeaux where there are significant traffic flows. As mobility is very dense, it is important to apply precise rules for each category of user. These cities also offer other possibilities in terms of urban mobility such as public transport for example.
What does its presence mean?
The presence of this sign indicates to drivers that they must stop and yield the right of way when a car, cyclist or pedestrian is approaching from the right, unless otherwise indicated. It is an essential traffic rule for the fluidity of traffic as well as the safety of various users. It makes it possible to secure intersections which are places where many users meet, all of whom use different vehicles. By integrating this rule, the authorities want to raise awareness among users of vigilance and mutual respect in order to improve everyone's experience on the roads.
What about electric scooters?
At a traffic light, this indicates to the people concerned (cyclists and EDPM) that they can pass through the red light provided they have first given way to users (pedestrians for example) coming from the right. In common parlance this is usually called “turning right at a red light”. Electric scooters will therefore benefit from more flexibility and freedom when traveling around town. This measure, already present in many cities around the world, aims to streamline traffic that is often disrupted in large cities, but also to promote and encourage more environmentally friendly mobility.
What will the regulations change for electric scooter users?
With their small size, the electric scootersmust attach particular importance to right priority. In fact, they are light and less visible than other vehicles that share the lanes (cyclists and cars for example). Their lightness and the differences in speed with other vehicles can create behaviors for which other users would not necessarily be prepared. New users with access to the M12 sign must therefore exercise great vigilance when approaching an intersection where this sign appears. It is therefore important for scooters as well as motorists and pedestrians to respect priority rules in order to guarantee their safety, and create a pleasant traffic experience for everyone.
How to guarantee your safety on a scooter and electric bike?
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Find out about the highway code
Knowing the highway code before going somewhere allows you to understand the dangers encountered when riding a scooter. It also helps to find out which paths to take depending on the type of user sharing the road with us. You must also be aware of the different signs and lights present on the road. You can stay informed about updates regarding regulations for electric scooters.
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Wear appropriate protection
Electric scooters are in constant interaction with other vehicles that make up the urban landscape. With increasingly dense traffic in large cities, it is essential to ensure your own safety by having the appropriate equipment when going out on an electric scooter. This is particularly done by choosing effective protective gear. Indeed, in case of an accident or a fall, it is better to minimize the risk of injury. The helmet is for us the essential accessory for riding an electric scooter. You can also adapt your equipment according to the model and settings of your scooter. For very powerful models, it is advisable to equip yourself with gloves, knee pads, and elbow pads, in addition to the helmet, of course. There are also other accessories to enhance your riding experience.
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Avoid distractions to ensure road safety
During your outings in EDPM, you should be vigilant. Indeed, city traffic can be dangerous. Electric scooters do not have a protective structure for the driver; you must be concentrated to be able to avoid and anticipate dangers. Therefore, we must avoid as much as possible distractions that could harm our alertness, such as being on the phone, listening to music or responding to a text message, for example. Keep a close eye on your surroundings and respect the rules in force. By remaining attentive and adopting responsible behavior, you help ensure your safety and that of others.
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Use the appropriate model
Other changes planned by this update of the legislation
From now on, the EDPM will be affected by all signs initially intended for cyclists. This means that traffic rules that apply to cyclists, such as cycle lanes and bans, are also relevant for EDPM users, thus highlighting the development of these modes of transport in regulations. This development reflects their development in the urban landscape and their progressive integration into sustainable mobility policies. Aligning traffic rules for cyclists and EDPM users allows harmonious coexistence on the roads and reinforces safety for all users. It is therefore important for EDPM drivers to be aware of their rights and responsibilities on the road.
What changes to expect regarding EDPMs?
With the growth in the use of electric scooters, regulations are likely to change significantly in the months and years to come. These measures aim to improve the driving experience of users and guarantee their safety. Among these changes, we could expect new limits on the maximum permitted speed. We could also see electric scooters and other EDPMs be authorized to circulate on new routes to which access was previously prohibited. Finally, we can expect changes to regulations regarding EDPM parking in order to make the urban environment more pleasant for everyone.
FAQ
What does the abbreviation EDPM mean?
EDPM is the abbreviation for Electric Motorized Personal Travel Devices. This brings together several means of urban transport powered by electric motors. This category includes electric scooters, self-balancing scooters, gyrowheels and hoverboards. These modes of travel offer a more practical and more ecological alternative than traditional means of transport such as thermal cars. EDPMs are used for short trips in urban environments, which helps reduce carbon emissions and reduces traffic congestion.
Is there a minimum age to use an EDPM?
You must be at least 14 years old to be allowed to drive an EDPM for safety reasons. This age restriction aims to ensure that EDPM drivers have a sufficient level of responsibility to operate these machines safely in the complex and dynamic urban landscape. By promoting responsible practice from an appropriate age, this measure helps to guarantee road safety for all users.
Is the M12 sign the same for bicycles as for scooters?
The M12 sign is the same for cyclists as for electric scooters, as seen previously, it can be recognized by its triangular shape.
Although e-scooters and bicycles are generally allowed to ride on the same trails, there is no specific sign for e-scooters.
Is wearing a helmet compulsory on an electric scooter?
Wearing a helmet is not obligatory on an electric scooter, however it is strongly recommended to wear one for safety reasons mentioned earlier in the article, in the "Wear appropriate protection" section.