SCOOTERS AND THE HIGHWAY CODE

The EDPM* Highway Code

First of all, what is an EDPM, you might ask?

Motorized personal mobility devices, or MPMDs, include electric scooters, gyropodes, gyroroues and hoverboards.
And like all mobility devices, they are subject to specific traffic regulations.

Although most of the rules are the same as those applicable to bicycles, we’ll give you a quick rundown right here:

The Do’s

  • Taking care of yourself and other road users
  • Over 14 years of age
  • In built-up areas, use the bike lanes if there are any, or the road if there aren’t (roads with a speed limit of 50 km/h or less).
  • Outside built-up areas, use only greenways and cycle paths
  • Park on sidewalks, making sure not to obstruct pedestrian traffic

The Don’t

  • Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Do not use more than one person on the same machine
  • Do not use headphones or telephones while driving
  • Do not drive on sidewalks (unless the machine is hand-held)

The equipment

  • Wearing a helmet is not compulsory but strongly recommended.

  • In case of insufficient visibility or at night, it is compulsory to wear retroreflective clothing or equipment (vest, armband…).

  • On public roads, all EDPMs must be limited to 25km/h.

EDPMs must include :

  • front and rear position lights

  • retroreflectivefléchissants

  • a braking system

  • a buzzer

Insurance

It is of course compulsory to insure your EDPM, whatever its type, at least for third-party liability (which can be included in your home insurance), in order to reimburse people who are victims in an accident in which you are at fault.

The EDPM is considered to be a motorized land vehicle under the insurance code, including in the case of self-service EDPM rental (free-floating).

The EDPM owner must take out compulsory insurance.

Sanctions

Failure to comply with the above rules may result in various penalties:

  • Non-compliance with traffic regulations: 35-euro fine

  • Carrying a passenger: 35-euro fine
  • Failure to wear a reflective vest or equipment in poor visibility or at night : 35 euro fine

  • Pushing or pulling a load with an EDPM or being towed: 35 euro fine

  • Driving on a sidewalk without authorization: 135-euro fine

  • EDPM unbridling: 135 euro fine

  • Driving a machine with a maximum design speed of over 25 km/h: 1,500 euros fine

See you soon on the road in complete safety, with UrbanGlide!

* Source: www.securite-routiere.gouv.fr