This year, more than a million electric scooters have already been sold. Despite this growing market, this vehicle does not remain without risks.
Created in 1895, the electric scooter was created under the patent of Ogden Bolton Junior. A few years later, in 1910, the motorized scooter was created. Nicknamed the autoped, this two-wheeler of the time has a 155cm gasoline engine. With throttles for acceleration and a lighting generator, this scooter could go up to 32 km/h. The autoped was widely used by women, who were not yet allowed to drive. It’s production didn’t last long because thugs who appropriated the machine for its speed and its small size. The autoped stopped being manufactured in 1922.
The electric scooter as we know it today appeared in 1996, when the brand Razor marketed an electric foldable scooter, made with aluminum. In 2010, self-service scooters started gradually being used in big cities. But it’s been trending since 2018. In 2021, 908,000 e-scooters were purchased in France, against only 107,000 in 2017.
Electric scooters have to respect rules
Like all vehicles, the electric scooter is forced to respect laws. On October 25, 2019, the government amended the Highway Traffic Act or “Code de la route” to regulate its use. What you need to know if you have an electric scooter:
Your scooter must not be able to exceed 25 km/h. Otherwise, you risk up to 1500 euros fine.
Liability insurance* is required to operate this vehicle.
What is it* ? Liability insurance is a contract in France that covers the consequences of the insured when he is responsible for any harm. Basically, when you cause material, intangible or bodily damage to another person or property, your insurance will compensate the victims of the loss or accident. The victims will receive financial compensation regardless of the cause of the problem : negligence or recklessness.
Electric scooters must not be used on the sidewalk at the risk of being penalized by a 135 euro fine. If you want to use this pedestrian path, you must walk with your vehicle in hand.
In agglomeration, you have to drive on bike paths.
No passengers are allowed : it is quite obvious but the platform is too narrow for two passengers.
Electric scooters : everything on the risks
At the moment the law does not require the wearing of a helmet or the use of other kind of protection, but it remains strongly recommended.
In 2021, 22 people on electric scooters died in France. 6,000 were injured. Why ? The bad behavior of some users, unattended motorists or the violation of the traffic code ? We must not forget that people on electric scooters are particularly vulnerable, hence the importance of respecting the laws that protect them. In the near future, wearing certain protections will be required.
Today, electric scooters have become indispensable. Due to its size and practicality, several large cities have self-serviced them as a more environmentally friendly means of transport. Even some car rental agencies offer to rent an electric scooter. This is the case of Movo Car Rental. With the rental of an electric or hybrid car, you can add an electric scooter, very practical throughout your stay.
To remember : The electric scooter was created in 1895 It has been in the Code de la route since October 25, 2019 The law states that you must: - Have liability insurance - Be alone on the scooter, no passengers are accepted - The scooter must not exceed 25 km/h - In agglomeration, you have to ride on bike lanes
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