Paris to fine e-scooter riders not wearing helmets and high-visibility vests
The Paris police have announced new mandatory safety rules for electric scooter riders on public roads, with fines for those who do not comply. The measures aim to address what authorities describe as a concerning rise in serious and fatal accidents involving these motorised vehicles.
According to figures released on Saturday by France's road safety watchdog, 79 people were killed in e-scooter accidents in Paris last year, a sharp increase from the 45 deaths recorded the previous year. Additionally, around 1,100 people were injured in such accidents in the capital, a rise of 33% compared with the year before.
Under the new regulations, e-scooter riders must wear an approved helmet and a high-visibility vest while travelling on public roads. Those who fail to wear a helmet face a fine of €135 (£129), while those caught without a vest or retro-reflectors will be fined €35 (£30). The rules also apply to other electric personal mobility devices, including electric unicycles and hoverboards.
These safety measures come despite Paris having banned rental e-scooters in 2023 following a city-wide referendum. That vote saw 90% of participants support the ban, though only 8% of eligible voters turned out. Privately owned e-scooters, however, remain legal and continue to be popular among commuters navigating the city's narrow and often congested roads.
France has the highest rate of private e-scooter ownership in Europe, according to the European Union. As of 2023, an estimated 2.5 million people owned e-scooters in the country, with hundreds of thousands more purchased since. While exact figures for Paris are not maintained, a significant share of these vehicles is believed to be in the capital.
Existing rules in Paris already prohibit e-scooter use by children under 14, ban carrying passengers, and set a maximum speed limit of 25 km/h (16 mph). The new helmet and high-visibility vest requirements were previously in force in several French regions, including Seine-et-Marne, Alpes-Maritimes and Vaucluse.
Paris was among the first cities in Europe to embrace e-scooters, but growing concern over dangerous riding and pavement obstruction led to the prohibition of for-hire services. Other European cities have also taken action in recent years. Madrid banned rental e-scooters in 2024, and Brussels has announced it will follow suit in June.
The new enforcement measures reflect a broader effort by French authorities to reconcile the convenience of micro-mobility with public safety. While riders may see the mandatory gear as a burden, officials emphasise that the rise in fatalities demands urgent action. The fines, they argue, are necessary to ensure compliance and protect both riders and pedestrians.
As the popularity of e-scooters continues to grow, the success of Paris's approach will be closely watched by other cities grappling with similar challenges. For now, riders in the French capital must ensure they are properly equipped before setting off, or face the financial consequences.
