EDPM: A regulatory framework strengthened by the government
This page is translated from the original post "EDPM : un cadre réglementaire renforcé par le gouvernement" in French.
- 29/03/2023 15:30
The government announced today a national plan to better regulate the use of electric scooters and personal mobility devices (PMDs) in France.
On the sidelines of a public vote on the use of free-floating electric scooters in Paris this Sunday, the government is launching a national crackdown on reckless use of electric scooters.
The Ministry of Transport estimates that more than 2.5 million French people own such devices. This represents about 27% of the French population. Additionally, to date, over 200 French cities have electric scooters available for free use.
A real transformation in daily mobility, the electric scooter allows more than a third of the French population to commute between home and work. However, according to the ministry, there was a 38% increase in serious PMD (motorized personal mobility device) accidents in 2022 compared to 2021.
The government is taking control and aims to better regulate the market to promote safety for everyone.
What are the announced measures?
In consultation with industry stakeholders and local authorities, Transport Minister Clément Beaune announced today measures to strengthen the regulation of electric scooters. Through fines or new rules, PMD users will now be better monitored to ensure everyone’s safety.
It should be noted that you must be at least 14 years old to ride an PMD. This is in line with other categories such as mopeds or driverless cars.
Furthermore, violating existing regulations will be more costly:
- Disregarding traffic rules (riding on a banned lane for PMDs): €135 fine instead of €35 currently
- Carrying another passenger: €135 instead of €35 currently
- Riding a device with a maximum speed exceeding 25 km/h by design: €1,500 fine
- At night, or during daylight when visibility is poor, not wearing a vest or reflective gear: €35 fine
- Pushing or towing a load with your PMD or being towed: €35 fine
The company Lime has already developed technologies in this direction, including a system for gradual stopping of the scooter when it detects double positioning on its devices. Additionally, the government wants all such devices to be equipped with indicators and brake lights to increase visibility.
How to ride PMDs properly?
These new government rules are naturally to complement existing regulations on the circulation of PMDs. Alcohol, drugs, and headphones are prohibited while riding these devices, as well as riding on sidewalks under penalty of fines. The rest of the regulations governing electric scooter use can be found here.
The government is also investing in a safety and awareness campaign to train users to operate and share PMDs safely. It will be supported by the new national micro-mobility observatory, established with the support of the Interministerial Road Safety Observatory (ONISR) and the Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME).
Mobiwisy wishes you a safe journey, and don’t forget to wear a helmet to protect yourself!
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