France is bringing in new rules for the use of electric scooters following hundreds of incidents involving the vehicles, including several deaths.
From Saturday, riders will be required to be at least 12 and will not be able to ride their scooter on the pavement.
The two-wheeled vehicles’ top speed will also be capped by next year.
Any infringement will be punished by a fine of €135 and up to €1,500 for going over the speed limit.
French Junior Transport Minister Jean-Baptiste Djebbari said in a statement the new rules would encourage “more responsible use… and restore a sense of tranquillity for pedestrians, in particular the most vulnerable: the elderly, children and handicapped people”.
E-scooters, which can travel at more than 50km/h, are growing in popularity, in part because of their low environmental impact.
The new rules include:
Riding on the pavement will be prohibited unless in designated areas, and then at walking speed only
Only one rider will be allowed per device, and no mobile phone use will be allowed
Users cannot go against the traffic flow and must use cycle paths where available
Riders will not be allowed to wear headphones while on their scooter
By next July, the scooters’ top speed will be capped at 25km/h
Users riding on permitted faster roads must wear a helmet and high-visibility clothing
E-scooters will be banned completely on country roads
