Electric scooters are a hit, but too many users ignore this essential rule which can be expensive

Many road users use this means of transport but commit an offence which can be worth a big fine.

Electric scooters are a huge success. They are everywhere, even if they sell more in the city than in the countryside. More and more French people use them for short trips. Some to go to the office when possible, others when they have a quick errand to run, to get to an appointment or simply to get around in the evening, as can be done by car, metro or bike. This trendy practice is seen by some as a leisure activity, accessible to everyone, except that it meets fairly strict rules of use.

It should be noted that the electric scooter has been considered a motorized land vehicle in the Highway Code since October 2019. Speed ​​limit, road signs to be respected, minimum age to be able to drive it, the user cannot do what he wants, at the risk of being fined. However, it is not uncommon to see some owners of electric scooters driving haphazardly at the risk of causing collisions, both with other vehicles and with pedestrians. A very widespread practice is also particularly dangerous and can result in a fairly hefty fine.

© SICCOLI PATRICK/SIPA

If you live in a built-up area, it is very possible that you have already seen an electric scooter come hurtling towards you on the sidewalk. If the sidewalk is narrow – which is the case in many cities – the risk of collision is high. And since the motorized vehicle can reach speeds of 25 kilometers per hour in the city, it is often the pedestrian who gets out of the way to avoid being hit. While many users believe they are within their rights, this bad habit is actually an offense. Electric scooters are prohibited on sidewalks except in the very rare case where the mayor authorizes them.

In the vast majority of cases, electric scooters are therefore strictly intended for roads and cycle paths. And if the user absolutely wants to ride on the sidewalk, then he is required to turn off the engine to reduce the speed of his machine. Otherwise, in addition to receiving names from some pedestrians, he will be at the mercy of the police. Riding an electric scooter on the sidewalk is punishable by a class 4 fine. It costs the offender 135 euros, who can reduce the costs a little, to 90 euros, if he pays the amount directly to the officer or within 15 days.