It's practical, it's fast, it's eco-friendly... the electric scooter has won over the French. From the always busy city dweller to the young person seeking freedom, there's something for everyone. But behind this success lies increasingly strict regulations, and sometimes even... little known ones. Is it possible to lose your electric scooter license? We review what the law says, the possible penalties, and the cases where it can indeed cost you dearly.
Electric scooter: is a license mandatory or not?
Electric scooters are classified as EDPM. Since their official recognition by the Highway Code, they have been subject to specific rules, particularly regarding speed, minimum age, and mandatory equipment. And in 2025, these rules were strengthened to improve user safety, without requiring a driving license for standard use.
No permit required for a compliant scooter
If you owned an electric scooter 25 km/h, you do not need a license to drive it. This type of vehicle is considered an EDPM, just like a gyropod or a unicycle. However, the minimum age is set at 14 years, and it is mandatory to be covered by liability insurance. These conditions allow you to travel legally, both in the city and on authorized roads, provided you respect the basic rules of the Highway Code.
Unleashed scooter = motorized vehicle governed by the Highway Code
By exceeding the speed limit of 25 km/h, a fast electric scooter loses its status as an EDPM and enters the category of mopeds, or even motorcycles. Everything changes: a license (AM, A1, A2…), specific insurance, and even registration are required. In case of a check, riding a modified scooter without respecting these rules exposes you to multiple offenses: driving without a license, lack of insurance, use of a non-approved vehicle… In short, serious crimes with heavy consequences.
Can you lose points or your driver's license?
Losing points and losing your license are not the same thing. And in the case of the electric scooter, this distinction is important. If EDPMs do not require a license, does that mean no penalty can affect your B or A license? The answer therefore depends on the severity of the offense.
No, no point loss in compliant EDPM
The rule is clear: license points can only be deducted for offenses committed with a vehicle that requires a driving license. However, the classic electric scooter, limited to 25 km/h, does not fall into this category. In other words, if you run a red light or use your phone while riding your scooter, you risk a fine, but no points will be deducted from your license. This position is confirmed by the Highway Code and validated by case law, notably by the Council of State and several ministerial circulars.
YES, suspension possible... but only in case of an offense
If simple offenses do not affect your license, things can get complicated in the case of a crime. If you ride your scooter while intoxicated (over 0.8 g/L), under the influence of drugs, or refuse a test, it can go very far: all your licenses can be suspended, even if you were not driving a car. The same applies if you flee after an accident, endanger people, or cause a serious accident.
In these specific cases, a judge may consider that you are generally dangerous on the road, scooter or not. The suspension of the license then becomes a measure to protect others. You should know that these sanctions do not happen automatically. It is decided on a case-by-case basis by a judge, and often as an additional penalty.
What are the common penalties for electric scooter use?
Even if you are not at risk of losing points on your license when riding an electric scooter, that does not mean you are immune from penalties. The Highway Code also applies to users of personal electric mobility devices (EDPM), and law enforcement can issue fines for any dangerous or prohibited behavior.
The most common fines
|
Infraction |
Amount |
|
Sidewalk traffic |
135 € |
|
Phone/Headphones |
135 € |
|
Absence of lights/night vest |
€35 to €135 |
|
Passenger transport |
135 € |
|
Unbridling |
Up to €1,500 |
|
Absence d’assurance |
Up to €3,750 |
Harsher penalties for unbridled scooters
With an unbridled electric scooter, it's not just a small fine that awaits you. Since it is considered a moped, you risk prosecution for driving without a license, lack of insurance, and use of a non-approved vehicle. And if an offense is committed with the scooter, you can even lose points on your license. In some cases, your vehicle can be immobilized on the spot... or even permanently confiscated.
In case of an accident or recurrence, criminal prosecutions are systematic, with heavy fines, suspension sentences, or bans on driving any motorized vehicle.
The judicial suspension of the license: when and why?
Yes, a scooter can really cost you your license... provided you cross certain red lines. It is not the offense itself that automatically leads to the suspension of the license, but rather the seriousness of the behavior and the danger it represents. We explain everything to you!
Cases where the judge can suspend the license
The suspension of a driver's license by a judge occurs in specific cases. If you ride an electric scooter with a blood alcohol level above 0.8 g/L, or under the influence of drugs, you risk criminal prosecution.
The same applies in the case of refusal to submit to a screening test, hit and run after an accident, or endangering others. In all these situations, a judge may decide to suspend or cancel all or part of your driving licenses, even if the offense was committed on a scooter.
The logic of judicial decision-making
As we have seen, losing your scooter license does not happen automatically. It is the judge who decides on a case-by-case basis, depending on the severity of the facts. If your behavior is deemed dangerous to others, they may decide to suspend your license, sometimes for up to three years. And in certain situations, especially if you have been drinking or using drugs, a road safety awareness course may also be imposed. The idea is not just to punish, but to prevent you from repeating the behavior; regardless of whether you are on a scooter, a moped, or a car.
Electric scooter in professional use: what the law says
With the rise of express delivery services and soft mobility, more and more professionals, delivery people, couriers, and technicians are turning to the electric scooter for their travel. Convenient, fast, and economical, it seems to be the perfect tool for working in urban environments. However, the professional use of the electric scooter is not subject to the same rules as private use.
Here is what you need to know if you use your electric scooter as part of your professional activity.
Is professional insurance mandatory?
Yes. Unlike personal use, professional liability insurance is strongly recommended, and in some cases, mandatory. It covers damages you might cause to a third party in the course of your activity (e.g., accident during a delivery).
Some delivery companies even require their couriers to have specific insurance for motorized vehicles, with coverage extended to EDPMs. Without this coverage, in case of an accident, the financial consequences can be very severe.
Note: your personal insurance does not automatically cover professional use, even if the scooter complies (25 km/h). Make sure to check before you start.
Helmet and equipment: mandatory or recommended?
For individuals, wearing a helmet is recommended but not mandatory (except for those under 12 years old). In professional use, caution requires stricter rules.
Employers or platforms may require:
• Wearing a helmet (mandatory to be covered by certain insurances)
• Gloves, joint protectors (elbow pads, knee pads)
• A reflective vest, especially for night travel or low visibility
• Front/rear lights and sound devices compliant
Even if the law does not always require it, this equipment is strongly recommended for your safety and to limit the risk of disputes in case of an accident.
A use regulated by the Labor Code?
When an employee uses an electric scooter as part of their work, the employer has responsibilities. In particular, they must:
• Ensure the safety of the machine (maintenance, compliance...)
• Inform the user of the traffic rules
• Provide or recommend appropriate safety equipment
In the event of an accident related to a failure to meet these obligations, the employer's liability may be engaged, especially if the equipment was non-compliant or poorly maintained.
In case of an accident: aggravated consequences
An accident involving a scooter used professionally is treated differently by insurance and the justice system. In addition to the usual penalties (if there is a traffic law violation), a work accident can be declared, with implications for health insurance, the employer, and the user.
In case of undeclared use or without appropriate coverage, the professional may not be compensated, or may be held personally liable.
FAQ
Can a scooter lead to a license suspension, even if I am not driving a car?
Absolutely. Some offenses committed on a scooter (notably related to alcohol, drugs, or endangering others) can lead to overall penalties, also affecting your car or motorcycle license. It is not automatic, but possible by judicial decision.
What distinguishes a simple fine from a real offense on a scooter?
Simple offenses such as driving on the sidewalk or using a phone result in fines. An offense, on the other hand, involves behavior considered dangerous or irresponsible (driving under the influence, refusal to comply, hit and run) and can lead to a court appearance, or even a license suspension.
If I lend my scooter to a friend and they commit an offense, who is responsible?
It depends. Generally, it is the driver at the time of the incident who is penalized. But in the case of a non-compliant vehicle (e.g., a modified scooter), the owner can also be held accountable, particularly for making an unapproved vehicle available.
Conclusion
In summary, riding an electric scooter does not expose you to a loss of points on your driving license, but that does not mean you are immune to any sanctions. In the case of a serious offense, a judge can perfectly suspend or even cancel your licenses, including if the offense was committed on a scooter. It is therefore important to remember that the electric scooter, even without a license, remains a vehicle subject to strict rules. Fortunately, at Weebot, our electric scooters comply with the 2025 regulations, which will already save you from some basic infractions. Come discover our catalog!