Electric scooters: towards mandatory registration?

A senatorial group has submitted a bill proposing mandatory registration for electric scooters starting in 2023 in France.

A few weeks ago, several senators, led by Dominique Estrosi-Sassone (LR), signed a bill. The goal: to establish registration for all motorized land vehicles that reach a speed of 15 km/h by the sole force of the engine. 

Without saying it explicitly, these vehicles are electric scooters, purchased by individuals but also in shared service. This also includes electric balance bikes like Vässla or gyros, monorails, etc. In short, everything that falls into the category of PMD, personal mobility vehicles with motor.

What does the bill say about electric scooter registration?

Specifically, the law does not mandate the registration of electric scooters. It details fines in case of missing plates, which ultimately amounts to the same result. Specifically, the absence of registration would result in a “fine provided for in the fourth-class contraventions”, or 135 euros.

The law goes further, proposing that in the event of repeat offenses within two months, the fine would increase to “fifth-class contraventions”, or 1,500 euros. Finally, in case of a third offense within 6 months of the first, “the penalty is increased to 3,750 € in fines”, with community service.

The example of Germany

If the law passes, France will not be the first country in this field. As early as summer 2019, Germany had already implemented mandatory license plates. The country also added a stricter regulation for electric scooters than in France: 20 km/h maximum, insurance, homologation via the KBA (the German motor vehicle authority). 

How do shared scooter rental services react? We have already received an answer from Lime during the presentation of their anti-scooter sidewalk system. “We are not opposed to a registration plate”, declared Bastien Cransac, director at Lime Europe West, “it would be useful in case of an accident involving a hit-and-run with law enforcement”.

Read also: Bolt launches its 5th generation electric scooters