French municipalities impose stricter electric scooter regulations

The city of Dax adopted a municipal order on 4 June 2026 to tighten the use of electric scooters and other personal motorised devices in its centre. Riding is prohibited on pedestrian zones from 10 h to 19 h and from 21 h to 7 h Monday‑Saturday, on Sundays, public holidays when shops are open and during public demonstrations. Violations can be fined up to €135. The order also requires a minimum rider age of 14, a speed limit of 25 km/h, use of bike lanes where available, a single rider per vehicle and a ban on riding on sidewalks. A citywide information campaign will publicise the rules.

Separately, the prefect of the Manche department announced plans to introduce a mandatory helmet rule for all electric‑scooter users in a municipal order expected at the start of the school year. The measure follows similar requirements already imposed in Alpes‑Maritimes, Nord and Pas‑de‑Calais and aims to reduce the severity of injuries in the growing number of scooter‑related accidents. Non‑compliance would attract a fine of €35 (or €135 for more serious contraventions). Both initiatives reflect a broader French effort to improve safety for pedestrians and scooter riders.