Are we heading straight towards the obligation to register electric scooters? In any case, this is the wish of several elected officials, who believe that this measure will make it easier to fine irresponsible drivers.
As we know, in recent years, electric scooters have become persona non grata in many cities in France. Toulouse, for example, was one of the first municipalities to Ban self-service electric scooters in its streets. Paris made a similar decision in September 2023.
In response to the increase in accidents and incivility committed by owners of electric scooters (in particular illegal parking and riding on sidewalks), the Highway Code was amended accordingly in April 2024. Since that date, EDPMs (motorized personal mobility devices) such as electric scooters, skateboards and electric unicycles have been subject to the same regulations as bicycles. So, you have to follow the following rules:
- be at least 14 years old
- do not exceed the maximum authorized speed of 25 km/h
- not transporting several people at the same time (punishable by a fine of 135 euros)
- be equipped with a retro-reflective vest at night
- the machine must be equipped with a braking system, a horn, front and rear lights and rear and side reflective devices
- have taken out civil liability insurance
- travel only on roads limited to 50 km/h and pedestrian areas (at a moderate speed and without disturbing passers-by)
- ban on driving and parking on sidewalks (except in the case of explicit authorization from the town hall)
Also read: She reaches 110 km/h with her electric scooter and overtakes cars on the highway
Elected officials call for mandatory registration of electric scooters
Only for certain elected officials, the legislation does not provide effective measures to sanction possible offenders. Lack of registration on the machines, law enforcement has little room for maneuver in fining drivers, unless you catch them in the act.
During the last Toulouse city council meeting, several elected officials called on the government to make the registration of electric scooters compulsoryboth self-service and private.This will allow municipal police officers and agents during video-verbalization operations to know who the owner is,” explains Maxime Boyer, responsible for travel and new mobility in the city, in the columns of La Dépêche.
As a reminder, Our Italian neighbours have already imposed this measure.. Since October 2023, registering your electric scooter has become compulsory. This is also the case in Germany. It now remains to be seen whether the request from these local elected officials will reach the ears of the government. Not sure given the current political context.