Many road users use this means of travel but commit an offense which can result in a large fine.
Electric scooters are enjoying incredible success. We see them almost everywhere, even if they are sold more in the city than in the countryside. More and more French people are using them for short trips. Some go to the office when possible, others when they have a small errand to run, to go to an appointment or simply to get around in the evening, as it is possible to do by car , by metro or by bike. This fashionable practice is seen by some as a leisure activity, accessible to everyone, except that it meets fairly strict rules of use.
You should know that the electric scooter has been considered in the Highway Code as a motorized land vehicle since October 2019. Speed limit, traffic signs to be respected, minimum age to be able to drive it, the user cannot not do what he wants, at the risk of being fined. However, it is not uncommon to see some owners of electric scooters driving haphazardly at the risk of causing collisions, both with other vehicles and with pedestrians. A very widespread practice is also particularly dangerous and can result in a fairly hefty fine.
If you live in an urban area, it is quite possible that you have already seen an electric scooter coming down the sidewalk in front of you. If the sidewalk is narrow – which is the case in many cities – the risk of collision is great. And since the motorized vehicle can reach 25 kilometers/hour in the city, it is often the pedestrian who gives way to avoid being hit. If many users believe they are within their rights, this bad habit does indeed constitute an offense. Electric scooters are prohibited on sidewalks except in the very rare case where the mayor authorizes it.
In the vast majority of cases, electric scooters are therefore strictly intended for the road and cycle paths. And if the user absolutely wants to drive on the sidewalk, then he must turn off the engine to reduce the speed of his machine. In the opposite case, in addition to receiving names of birds from certain pedestrians, he will be at the mercy of the police. Riding on the sidewalk with an electric scooter is punishable by a 4th class fine. It costs 135 euros for the offender, who can reduce the costs a little, to 90 euros, if he pays the amount directly to the agent or within 15 days.