Electric scooters are strictly prohibited on sidewalks.
They must ride on cycle paths.
The speed is limited to a maximum of 25 km/h.
In pedestrian zones, the speed limit is 6 km/h.
The number of accidents involving this type of machine is on the rise.
Two teenagers have just died in Lyon.
The death of two teenagers in Lyon, knocked down Monday evening by an ambulance while riding an electric scooter on a bus lane, aroused great emotion.
At the end of June, in Nice, another scooter accident had already marked the spirits.
A 5-year-old child was killed, hit by the motorized vehicle as he crossed a cycle path on a pedestrian crossing.
Two dramatic episodes which illustrate the need to "better know and respect" the specific regulations in force while the use of electric scooters has developed very strongly in recent years, estimates the League against road violence.
“This is a new central road safety issue,” insists Pierre Lagache, its vice-president.
What the law says.
From what age can a scooter be used?
As with hoverboards, gyropods or monowheels, the electric scooter is considered a motorized personal transport device (EDP) and you must be at least 12 years old to climb on it.
The vehicle must be insured.
How fast can we travel?
Up to 25 km/h, maximum.
"The problem is that we are seeing more and more unbridled or overpowered scooters capable of going beyond the authorized 25 km / h", notes the vice-president of the League against road violence.
In pedestrian areas, scooters are allowed at a “moderate speed” capped at 6 km/h.
"It corresponds to a brisk walking pace, no more," says Pierre Lagache.
Do you necessarily have to take a cycle path?
Yes, it is an obligation, if there is one.
Bus lanes open to bicycles by signage are also authorised.
In the absence of a cycle track or lane, the electric scooter is allowed on roads limited to 50 km/h.
“In practice, you don't find cycle paths everywhere, or they are not always well connected.
This explains a certain vagueness, ”regrets Pierre Lagache.
Outside a built-up area, if the local authority allows it, an electric scooter can also travel on a road limited to 80 km/h, but only with a helmet and position lights on.
Can we ride a scooter on sidewalks?
No.
Unless the mayor has previously authorized it, which is extremely rare.
“This is undoubtedly the most widespread problem, insists Pierre Lagache.
When you look at what happens in the cities, riding on the sidewalk is almost normal even though it is forbidden, as for cyclists in the rest [over the age of 8].
The sidewalk must be protected for pedestrians.
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Can we carry another passenger?
No, the law strictly prohibits it.
“We regularly see two young people on the same scooter.
But the machines are not at all suitable for that.
So it's dangerous, of course, ”recalls the vice-president of the League against road violence.
Is the helmet compulsory?
He is not.
Except on roads where the maximum speed is limited to 80 km/h (outside towns).
“The helmet is however recommended by the experts, specifies Pierre Lagache.
Let's not forget that the skull is particularly exposed and vulnerable in the event of an accident.
But, as with cyclists, the obligation of the helmet is currently the subject of debate.
Legislation may change on this point.
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Do you need lights?
Like bicycles, lights (front and rear) are mandatory in case of traffic at night or insufficient visibility during the day.
Rear and side reflective devices are also required.
As well as retroreflective clothing outside built-up areas.
What about controls then?
“There are not enough of them, laments Pierre Lagache.
When the rules are not well known and no one calls you to order, this reinforces a certain feeling of impunity.
Traffic zones and speed seem to be the two most important issues.
The public authorities are much too passive on the subject.
This is all the more worrying as the number of scooter accidents and their severity are deteriorating sharply.
The development of soft mobility is a good thing, but the scooter is often equated with pleasure and leisure.
Users tend to forget that it is a vehicle like any other, which must therefore comply with the Highway Code.
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After the death of two teenagers on scooters in Lyon, a suspect in police custody
Two minors riding the same scooter are killed in Lyon
Company
Scooter
Road safety
Accident
Lyons
Traffic
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes