Do Electric Scooters Have To Follow The Same Rules As A Bicycle?

Practical, ecological and fast, they are transforming urban mobility, but they also raise important questions about safety and compliance with the rules: minimum age, compulsory insurance, ban on sidewalks, safety equipment, limited speed… Are electric scooters and other EDPMs really subject to the same rules as bicycles? Where can you travel legally? What are the risks of fines? With more than 1,700 accidents recorded in 2024 and tightening regulations, we take stock of everything you need to know in 2026.

What is an EDPM and how is it regulated by law?

EDPMs bring together a variety of innovative machines such as electric scooters, gyropods, hoverboards or monowheels, all powered by an electric motor and designed for individual use without a seat. Unlike classic rollerblades or scooters, which treat their user as a pedestrian, the addition of the motor changes everything: you become a full-fledged road user, subject to specific obligations. Officially recognized in 2019 by the Highway Code, these vehicles saw their regulations strengthened in 2023 for better cohabitation between road users.

Where can EDPMs travel: cycle paths, roads and pedestrian zones?

The circulation of EDPMs is largely aligned with that of bicycles, but with important nuances to ensure good fluidity. First of all, the cycle path is not optional for EDPMs. If it is available, it must be borrowed under penalty of a fine of 135 euros for non-compliance with authorized areas. In the absence of a track, you will have to opt for roads limited to 50 km/h in built-up areas, or for pedestrian areas. To travel in pedestrian areas, you must adopt a moderate pace, capped at 6 km/h, so as not to disturb pedestrians.

Outside of built-up areas, the circulation of EDPMs is only authorized on greenways and cycle paths. Prefects may possibly authorize access to certain roads where the limit is 80 km/h or less, but this remains exceptional and subject to strict visibility conditions.

Sidewalks and parking: local authorizations and current prohibitions

On the sidewalks, caution is required, because regulations largely depend on municipal decisions. In principle, driving on sidewalks is prohibited, except with express and justified authorization from the town hall, and always at a speed not exceeding 6 km/h with absolute priority for pedestrians.

Municipalities have the possibility of adapting to their environment, but in most cases, as in Paris, EDPMs are banned from the sidewalks. It is therefore obligatory to use cycle paths or the roadway at a maximum of 50 km/h. Self-service scooters have also been banned in the capital since 2023. The same is true in most large French cities, with a few exceptions in certain authorized areas, notably in Bordeaux.

Parking follows a similar logic: the highway code authorizes the parking of EDPMs on sidewalks provided that they do not obstruct pedestrian traffic, without stricter national regulations. However, it is the mayors who can prohibit parking by municipal decree, a common practice in large cities to avoid congestion and ensure the passage of pedestrians. But here too, some cities are more tolerant than others. To be sure not to receive a fine which can range from €35 (annoying parking) to €135 in the event of a repeat offense, choose dedicated areas or bike racks.

Minimum age, passenger transport and safety equipment

The minimum age to pilot an EDPM was set in 2023 at 14 years old. This is an increase of 2 years from the 12 years previously required, driven by concerns about the maturity and safety of younger children. This measure of the national regulatory plan was welcomed for reducing accidents involving minors, which represented a significant proportion of incidents before the reform. As for the transport of passengers, it is strictly prohibited: these machines are designed for exclusively personal use, and breaking this rule also exposes you to a fine of 135 euros. Unlike bicycles which sometimes tolerate a child on a suitable seat, EDPMs do not allow this.

Safety equipment

Although helmets are not obligatory in urban areas for adults, they are strongly recommended by the authorities, and become imperative outside of town on roads authorized up to 80 km/h. In these scenarios, it should be combined with reflective clothing and constantly lit lights to maximize visibility. At night or in low light, a retroreflective vest is mandatory everywhere, unlike cyclists who are exempt in town.

In terms of the machine itself, the EPDM must be equipped just like a bicycle to travel legally: effective braking system, audible warning sound from a distance, front and rear lights and reflective devices on the sides and rear.

Watch out for distractions

Just like in cycling, prohibitions relating to distractions apply to EDPM users: headphones, earphones and any device emitting sound are strictly prohibited, with a fine of 135 euros. Telephones on the handlebars are therefore also prohibited.

Insurance is mandatory

This last point is perhaps one of the most important, because it is ignored by a large part of users. To drive an EPDM without risking a fine or heavy expenses in the event of an accident, it is necessary to take out specific civil liability insurance. It covers damage caused to others, including self-service rental. Contracts for this type of vehicle are generally inexpensive, so it is best not to take any risks and drive legally.