Can I ride an e-scooter on the pavement?
Not on the pavement. The electric scooter (EDPM) is banned on pavements: you must ride on cycle paths or, failing that, on the road (in town). The minimum age is 14, speed is capped at 25 km/h (and 6 km/h in authorised pedestrian zones). Third-party insurance is mandatory since the 2019 decree. One rider only; no passenger. A town hall can tighten the rules locally (no-go zones, parking). Derestricting is heavily punished.
📋 The rules
- Pavement banned — cycle path or road (€135 fine)
- Minimum age: 14
- Speed 25 km/h max (6 km/h in authorised pedestrian zones)
- Third-party insurance mandatory
- One rider — no passenger (€135)
🔓 Exceptions
- A local authority may allow the pavement at walking pace, without disturbing pedestrians
- Outside built-up areas, riding is in principle banned (except greenways/paths)
- Helmet not mandatory in town but strongly advised (mandatory outside built-up areas)
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Riding on the pavement or carrying a passenger: €135. Derestricting (exceeding 25 km/h) brings a €1,500 fine and confiscation. Riding uninsured is punished by a €3,750 fine and seizure of the scooter. The usual rules also apply: red lights, phone, alcohol — penalised as for any vehicle.
📎 Official sources
- Service-Public.fr · E-scooter: what rules? →
- Road safety · Personal motorised mobility devices (EDPM) →
- Légifrance · Decree of 23 October 2019 (EDPM) →
❓ Frequently asked
Can you ride an e-scooter on the pavement?
No, it's banned and fined €135. You must use cycle paths or, failing that, the road in town. A town hall may exceptionally allow the pavement, at walking pace and without disturbing pedestrians.
What age to ride an e-scooter?
14 minimum. Below that, riding on the public way is banned. Speed is capped at 25 km/h and at 6 km/h in pedestrian zones where they're authorised.
Is insurance mandatory?
Yes. Since the 2019 decree, every e-scooter on the public way must have third-party insurance. Riding uninsured costs €3,750 and the scooter is seized.
Can two people ride one scooter?
No. Carrying a passenger is strictly banned and fined €135. Each scooter is built for one rider, for obvious safety and braking reasons.
What's the penalty for derestricting?
Derestricting, which lets the scooter exceed 25 km/h, is punishable by a €1,500 fine and can lead to confiscation. Above 25 km/h the scooter is no longer approved for the public way.
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