France reviews mandatory helmet law for cyclists and e‑scooters

The French government is studying a national harmonisation of helmet use for cyclists and electric‑scooter riders. Minister delegate Marie‑Pierre Vedrenne has asked the road‑safety authority to examine a possible blanket requirement, citing models in Finland – the only EU country with a universal helmet rule – and Italy, which couples helmet use with insurance and registration for scooters.

Since July 2026, several French prefectures have introduced their own mandates, imposing fines of up to €135 for non‑compliance. Currently, helmets are compulsory only for cyclists under 12, while all other users are merely advised to wear them. Safety data show 45 deaths and 21,000 injuries on personal‑mobility devices in 2024, with a 24 % rise in serious injuries, prompting officials to prioritise e‑scooter safety.

A decision is expected in the coming months, after technical and legal reviews of a nationwide rule.