French departments mandate helmets for motorized personal transport

New safety regulations have been implemented in several French departments regarding the use of motorized personal displacement devices (EDPM), such as electric scooters, hoverboards, and monowheels.

In Moselle, the wearing of a helmet will become mandatory for all EDPM users starting November 1, 2026. This decision follows a rise in accidents, including 19 recorded incidents in 2026 that resulted in 20 injuries, 12 of which were serious. Violations regarding helmet use can result in fines of up to €35.

In Seine-et-Marne, regulations effective since July 3, 2026, require both a certified helmet and high-visibility or retro-reflective equipment to be worn during trips, both day and night. Non-compliance can lead to fines of up to €150 per piece of equipment.

General rules for these devices across these regions include a speed limit of 25 km/h, a minimum age requirement of 14 years, and a prohibition on carrying passengers, using handheld phones or headphones, and riding on sidewalks. Mandatory equipment includes front and rear lights, reflectors, brakes, and an audible warning device.