Regulation of electric scooters (EDPM)

A PMD (personal mobility device) refers to any electric vehicle without a seat, designed to carry a single person. This includes electric scooters, but also gyropods, unicycles, hoverboards and electric skateboards.

The rules presented on this page apply only to use on public roads, meaning roads, cycle paths and greenways. On private property 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 vehicle must comply with applicable European regulations, with CE marking, manufacturer documentation, an identification number and a maximum speed limited to 25 km/h from the design stage. If your PMD can exceed this speed, including via a mode disabled by default, it is not compliant for use on roads or pavements.

Derestriction is heavily penalised. Riding a derestricted PMD exposes you to a €135 fine. Modifying the maximum speed of the vehicle yourself can lead to up to 1 year in prison and a €30,000 fine, under article L. 317-1 of the French Highway Code. Furthermore, any vehicle capable of exceeding 25 km/h is legally treated as a moped and requires registration, an AM licence and dedicated two-wheeler insurance.

The authorised maximum speed is the speed your vehicle 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 guide you, but do not replace the manufacturer's manual or professional advice.

Your PMD 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 refusal to place the vehicle on the market, while also engaging your liability in the event of an accident.

A warning device suited to the vehicle category is also mandatory, such as a bell or PMD-approved horn. Using a car horn or any other device not intended for a PMD is prohibited.

Your vehicle 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 is part of the legal conditions for use on public roads, regardless of the time or weather conditions.

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

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 PMD 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 local 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 PMDs, whatever the speed limit displayed.

Pavements are in principle prohibited, unless the municipality explicitly authorises them by sign. In that case, speed is limited to 6 km/h and pedestrians remain priority. Riding on the pavement without authorisation can 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 a PMD on public roads. Below this age, the legal guardian may be fined €135.

Your electric scooter is strictly a personal vehicle. 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 legally required for adults, but we strongly recommend wearing one. Most serious PMD accidents occur in urban areas and mainly affect the head.

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

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

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 PMD on the pavement provided you do not block pedestrian access, 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 can result in a fine and, in some cases, impoundment of your vehicle.

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 PMD also exposes you to a €135 fine. Having derestricted a PMD yourself can 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.