Paris tightens e-scooter rules as helmet and vest fines imposed

Paris enacts stricter e-scooter rules, imposing fines for missing helmets and vests to improve safety and enforce compliance.

Paris tightens e-scooter rules as helmet and vest fines imposed
Liberal News
Publish: 09.08.2026
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Paris authorities have made helmets and high-visibility vests mandatory for riders of electric scooters and similar personal electric vehicles on public roads, with fines of €135 for failing to wear an approved helmet and €35 for not wearing a vest or retro-reflectors, police said, citing road safety watchdog figures. The measure aims to address a rise in serious accidents after 79 people were killed in e-scooter accidents last year, up from 45 the previous year.

Police reported about 1,100 people were injured in e-scooter accidents in Paris last year, a 33% increase from the prior year. The new regulations apply also to electric unicycles and hoverboards and keep existing restrictions that ban riding for under-14s, prohibit carrying passengers and set a maximum speed of 25 km/h.

Rental e-scooters were banned in Paris in 2023 following concerns over dangerous riding and pavement obstruction, while privately owned devices remain permitted. Private e-scooter ownership in France was the highest in Europe as of 2023, with some 2.5 million owners recorded that year.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The measures reflect authorities’ response to a documented increase in fatalities and injuries cited by the police and the road safety watchdog. Helmet and high-visibility vest requirements align Paris with several French regions that already mandate such gear, and penalties are specified for non-compliance.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

  • Helmets and high-visibility vests are now mandatory on public roads for e-scooter and similar device riders in Paris.
  • Fines are €135 for not wearing an approved helmet and €35 for not wearing a vest or retro-reflectors.
  • Paris recorded 79 e-scooter deaths and about 1,100 injuries last year; rental e-scooters were banned in 2023 while private devices remain allowed.
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