Nowadays, electric scooters have become part of our daily lives. They replace walking, driving, and even public transport, whether it is a long trip or a simple round trip. However, their use remains highly regulated. Before taking an electric scooter in hand, it is essential to know the speed regulations in order to ride safely and legally under penalty of being sanctioned. Weebot tells you more!
What does the law say?
Riding an electric scooter does not mean exemption from rules. As drivers, you will be required to respect the law. But which laws will you have to face? Weebot tells you more!
What is the maximum allowed speed for an electric scooter?
The power of the electric motor of an electric device is expressed in watts. Thus, the power of your motor defines the speed at which you can travel in the city. While the power of the battery defines the autonomy of your vehicle.
What is the maximum allowed speed for an electric scooter? The law is clear on this: in urban areas, electric scooters must not exceed a speed limit of 25 km/h. They are also required to ride on a bike lane. If you do not have bike lanes, you will therefore be authorized to ride on the road where the maximum allowed speed is 50 km/h.
Note that, unless authorized by the mayor of your city, it is not possible to ride on sidewalks with your electric scooter. You may only ride there if your motor is off and at a maximum speed of 6 km/h so as not to endanger the safety of any pedestrians.
It should also be known that the speed of electric scooters strongly depends on the model. Indeed, if you choose an electric scooter from the Minimotors range like the Dualtron Thunder, the operation of your vehicle will be much more controlled because it will be considered a moped. As a user of powerful electric scooters, you will therefore face many more prohibitions and must be careful to respect the Highway Code when going to work. Even with a new scooter model, you will not be able to ride on sidewalks or pedestrian crossings.
What penalties do you risk in case of non-compliance with speed regulations?
As you now know, the electric scooter has a maximum speed of 25 km/h in urban areas. If you do not respect this speed limit, you expose yourself to the sanctions listed below:
- If you ride on a sidewalk with the engine running at more than 6 km/h, you will incur a fine of 135 €.
- If you ride on the road while there is a bike lane nearby, you then risk a fine of 135 €.
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In 2019, Minister Elizabeth tightened regulations concerning electric devices. Thus, all parking of motorized personal mobility devices is prohibited under penalty of risking a fine of 135 euros.
- If your electric scooter does not meet standards (not approved and modified) when you ride on a road or a bike lane, you will have to pay a fine of €1,500.
- If you do not have insurance for your electric scooter, you risk a fine of €3,750.
To avoid being overwhelmed by fines, we recommend that you inform yourself before any purchase of electric scooters.
Riding your electric scooter while being compliant
Before riding your electric scooter, you will need to follow a certain number of rules. Failing to respect them may jeopardize your safety and that of others. Worse, you might receive a fine. Weebot gives you advice to ride while staying compliant.
Is it mandatory to insure your electric scooter?
Like many means of transportation, insurance is often mandatory to protect the driver and their vehicle in case of an accident. This is also true for an electric scooter. It is best to be covered by liability insurance. It will allow you to avoid additional charges in case of injury, theft, or accidents.
We remind you that without insurance, riding your vehicle exposes you to a fine of €3,750. To prove that your vehicle is indeed insured, you must stick a sticker on the fender of your electric scooter ensuring it is as visible as possible.
Do you need a license to ride an electric scooter?
According to the Highway Code, it is perfectly possible to ride an electric scooter without having a license. However, it is recommended to have knowledge of the Highway Code in order to avoid potential accidents.
Indeed, a large part of accidents is often linked to the driving of electric scooters. These accidents are not necessarily related to driving without a license but rather to a difficult coexistence between electric scooters and civilians on sidewalks and roads.
Regulations related to the use of the electric scooter
You understand, to be able to ride electric scooters, you will need to respect speed limits but also a number of rules so as not to endanger your safety and that of others:
- It is highly recommended that the driver wear a reflective vest. This will allow you to be seen more easily by other drivers.
- A horn or bell is also an important element to make yourself heard by civilians.
- An electric scooter is made to be ridden by one rider only. Riding two on the vehicle is prohibited.
- As with a driver or a pedestrian, make sure to obey traffic lights once you have your two-wheeler in hand.
- Do not drive with headphones or a headset: you must be fully focused on the road.
- It is strongly advised to wear a helmet, gloves, knee pads, and wrist guards for your safety on the road.
Some exceptions to consider
Although riding an electric scooter is highly regulated. Regulations may vary depending on where you ride as well as the vehicle you own.
Different speed regulations depending on your city
Depending on your place of residence, many elements may differ and should be taken into account. Some cities have implemented specific laws for the driving of electric scooters within their municipalities.
For example, if you drive an electric scooter in Paris, Anne Hidalgo has limited the max speed for electric scooters to 20 km/h. Moreover, it will be impossible for you to park on the sidewalks or roadways of Paris. These laws have been put in place to ensure the safety and mobility of Parisian pedestrians.
We therefore recommend that you inform yourself about the regulations in force in your municipality regarding the use of electric scooters.
Electric scooters faster than the allowed average
Although the law does not allow electric scooters to exceed a maximum speed of 25 km/h, some models defy speed regulations.
Indeed, even though most electric scooters on the market are limited to 25 km/h, some models more powerful and faster have been created for speed enthusiasts.
You can therefore easily find models reaching between 30 and 100 km/h. These models are more expensive but also better equipped. Very powerful, they are also often suitable for all types of roads. This type of two-wheeler is, however, more dedicated to experienced electric scooter users.
FAQ
What is the maximum allowed speed for an electric scooter on the road?
The maximum allowed speed for an electric scooter once on the road is 25 km/h. Beyond this limit, you risk a fine of up to €3750 if you do not have insurance.
How to increase the speed of an electric scooter?
Although it is not recommended to do so, it is possible for you to increase the speed of your electric scooter. To achieve this, several methods are possible. The most common is to acquire a derestriction kit which allows you to manually increase the speed of your vehicle.
Conclusion
Nowadays, many electric scooters are circulating on public roads. However, like every means of transport, the electric scooter is subject to laws established by the Highway Code. Indeed, to travel safely and legally, it is essential to respect maximum speed limits not to be exceeded. These are strictly controlled because if they are not respected, the driver will have to face sanctions.