An EDPM (Personal Light Electric Vehicle) means any electric device without a seat, designed to carry a single person. This includes electric scooters, as well as gyropods, electric unicycles, hoverboards and electric skateboards.

The rules presented on this page concern only use on public roads, meaning roads, cycle paths and greenways. On private land or enclosed sites, the Highway Code does not apply, but other rules may apply depending on the location, such as internal regulations or specific insurance.

To be authorised on public roads, your device must comply with applicable European regulations, with CE marking, manufacturer documentation, an identification number and a maximum design speed limited to 25 km/h. If your EDPM can exceed that speed, including via a mode that is disabled by default, it is not compliant for use on roads or pavements.

Removing the speed limiter is heavily penalised. Riding a derestricted EDPM exposes you to a €135 fine. Modifying the maximum speed of the device yourself may lead to up to 1 year in prison and a €30,000 fine, under Article L. 317-1 of the French Highway Code. In addition, a device capable of exceeding 25 km/h is treated as a moped and requires registration, an AM licence and dedicated two-wheeler insurance.

The authorised maximum speed is the speed your device can reach by design, not the speed at which you are riding at the time of a check. If your scooter can exceed 25 km/h, it is considered non-compliant, even if you are riding at a moderate pace.

To better understand the technical characteristics of your model, you can consult our power calculator and our voltage chart. These tools can guide you, but they do not replace the manufacturer's manual or professional advice.

Your EDPM must have two independent braking systems, for example a motor brake combined with a mechanical brake on the rear wheel. A single brake is not sufficient and may result in a refusal to place the device on the market, while also engaging your liability in the event of an accident.

An audible warning device suited to the device category is also mandatory, such as a bell or an EDPM-approved horn. Using a car horn or any other device not intended for an EDPM is prohibited.

Your device must be fitted with a white front light, a red rear light and retro-reflective devices (reflectors) visible on the sides.

This equipment is required at all times, not only at night. It forms part of the legal conditions for use on public roads, regardless of the time of day or weather conditions.

Whenever a cycle track or cycle lane is available, you must use it in the direction of traffic, including when the lane is marked as recommended for cyclists (white bicycle on a blue background).

If there is neither a cycle track nor a cycle lane, you may ride on the carriageway only on roads limited to 50 km/h or less. Riding side by side with another EDPM or a bicycle is prohibited.

Pedestrian areas remain accessible provided you do not exceed 6 km/h, i.e. walking pace, and never obstruct pedestrians, who remain priority. Some municipalities may restrict or ban access to specific areas by municipal order.

Outside built-up areas, beyond town entry and exit signs, you may only ride on greenways and cycle paths. Ordinary roads are prohibited for EDPMs, whatever the speed limit displayed.

Pavements are in principle prohibited, unless the municipality expressly authorises them by sign. In that case, speed is limited to 6 km/h and pedestrians remain priority. Riding on the pavement without authorisation may result in a €135 fine.

If you are unsure about a particular area (park, promenade, mixed-use path), refer to the signs on site or contact the relevant town hall before riding.

Since 1 September 2023, you must be at least 14 years old to ride an EDPM on public roads. Below that age, the legal guardian may be fined €135.

Your electric scooter is strictly a personal device. Carrying a passenger, even a child, is prohibited and punishable by a €135 fine. Wearing headphones or an audio headset while riding is also prohibited and penalised.

Outside built-up areas, wearing a helmet is mandatory, as is wearing retro-reflective equipment (vest, armband or tabard), under Articles R412-43-1 and R412-43-3 of the French Highway Code. In built-up areas, the retro-reflective vest is mandatory at night or in poor visibility.

In built-up areas during the day, a helmet is not yet required by law for adults, but we strongly recommend wearing one. Most serious EDPM accidents occur in urban areas and mainly affect the head.

A bill tabled in September 2025 aims to make helmets mandatory in built-up areas for all EDPM riders. That text was still under review in spring 2026. Some municipalities, such as Nice, Vence and Bourg-lès-Valence, have already made it mandatory by municipal order.

Regarding alcohol and drugs, you are subject to the same rules as cyclists. Law enforcement may check you and criminal penalties apply if the authorised limits are exceeded, including penalty points on your driving licence if you hold one.

Third-party liability insurance is mandatory to ride on public roads. It covers damage you may cause to others. You can usually obtain it through an extension of your home insurance or a dedicated policy. Do not hesitate to contact your insurer and consult the service-public.fr page for the exact terms.

You may park your EDPM on the pavement provided you do not block pedestrian passage, disabled access, emergency exits, building entrances or public transport stops. When racks or dedicated spaces are available, we advise you to use them.

Obstructive or dangerous parking may result in a fine and, in some cases, impoundment of your device.

The most commonly reported offences include riding on the pavement without authorisation (€135), carrying a passenger (€135), wearing headphones while riding (€135) and riding by a person under 14 (€135, charged to the legal guardian).

Riding a derestricted EDPM also exposes you to a €135 fine. Having removed the speed limiter yourself may lead to up to 1 year in prison and a €30,000 fine.

These amounts are given for guidance only. To find the official scales applicable to your situation, consult the Highway Code in force on Légifrance.