Electric scooters, monowheels, Segways, hoverboards and gyroskates are all new modes of urban travel that are invading public space.

Until recently, their sometimes anarchic use was unregulated and raised several security issues.

Since October 2019, the State has changed the Highway Code to include these means of transport.

The objective: to create a framework that allows the development of these machines, while ensuring the safety of their users and other users, but also to fight against dangerous behavior.

What are we talking about ?

It is necessary to differentiate between two types of personal transport devices (or PDUs): non-motorized models such as scooters, skateboards or rollerblades, which can circulate on sidewalks and on spaces authorized for pedestrians (on the condition of remaining at step speed), and motorized PDEs, such as electric scooters, Segways or monowheels.

The circulation of these, which did not previously belong to any category of the Highway Code, was neither authorized nor regulated.

Today, the rules are for the most part the same as those applicable to bicycles, with certain specificities.

The legislation thus establishes the traffic and parking uses, the technical characteristics of these machines and specifies the penalties in the event of non-compliance.

A supervised conduct

EDP ​​users must behave cautiously in the first place, whether for their own safety or that of others. As with bicycles, it is forbidden to drive under the influence of alcohol or narcotics, to use headphones, earphones or a mobile phone. Children under the age of 12 are also not allowed to drive a motorized EDP. In addition, being intended for exclusively personal use, it cannot therefore carry a passenger.

On the traffic side, these machines cannot roll on the sidewalk, unless they are hand-held and not in action.

In built-up areas, they have an obligation to use cycle paths and lanes when there are any.

Otherwise, they can drive on roads limited to 50 km/h.

Outside the city, they should prefer greenways and cycle paths.

Finally, as with bicycles, EDPs have the possibility of parking on the sidewalks.

But parking is only possible if it does not interfere with pedestrian traffic (and safety).

The legislation allows mayors, in certain cases, to derogate from the general traffic rules, in order to adapt to the diversity of situations and places and to integrate these personal transport devices as harmoniously as possible.

What equipment?

In built-up areas or on greenways and cycle paths, wearing a helmet for those over 12 is not compulsory but strongly recommended.

Since July 1, 2020, users of motorized EDPs must have equipped their vehicle with front and rear position lights, rear and side retro-reflective devices, an audible warning device and an effective braking system.

At night or during the day, when visibility is poor (even in built-up areas), you must also wear clothing (vest, armband, sweater) or retro-reflective equipment in order to be clearly visible to other users. of the road.

In addition, to be able to travel on public roads, the device must be restricted to a speed of 25 km/h.

What about insurance?

Considered as motorized land vehicles, personal motorized transport vehicles must be insured, at least in civil liability, in order to guarantee the damage that you could cause to third parties when using your device.

In addition, the driver's personal guarantee, to cover you in the event of an accident or fall, is strongly recommended.

Many insurers now offer specific contracts for the use of EDPs.

Penalties provided

To encourage users of motorized EDPs to adopt responsible behavior, the legislator has provided for various penalties.

If you do not comply with the imposed traffic rules or transport a passenger, you incur a fine of 35 euros, for example.

Similarly, if you drive on a sidewalk without being authorized to do so or if you unleash your vehicle, you risk a fine of up to 135 euros.

Finally, if you drive with a machine whose maximum speed by construction is greater than 25 km/h, it will cost you 1,500 euros.

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