With the decree of October 23, 2019, Personal Motorized Transport Vehicles (or EDPM) entered the Highway Code. Horns, brakes and lights, everything is regulated for safer driving. Since July 1, 2020, this decree therefore applies to your electric scooters, hoverboards, gyroroues...
You don't know if the yellow safety vest is mandatory or the accessories you must have to ride your scooter and, if applicable, the penalties you risk? We will answer your questions!
What is an EPDM?
An EDPM is a Motorized Personal Transport Vehicle and corresponds to any motorized vehicle allowing urban transport excluding motorcycles or bicycles. Their use is prohibited outside built-up areas.
Formerly called “New Individual Electric Vehicles”, which in 2002 only included Segway Segways, they were introduced into the highway code in 2019. Their name being recent, many do not know what they correspond to.
Motorized Personal Mobility Devices are described by three main characteristics in article R311-1 of the highway code:
- stand-up driving
- a non-thermal engine
- a travel speed between 6 km/h and 25 km/h
This allows the law to encompass any type of light vehicle that meets these three criteria. The best known are therefore: electric scooters, Segways and gyroroues but there are also electric skateboards, mountain boards, electric rollerblades, etc.
Of course, this list does not include machines used by people with reduced mobility, balance bikes and electric bikes.
Regulations and mandatory equipment
Consult Decree No. 2019-1082 of October 23, 2019 relating to the regulation of personal transport vehicles.
Who can drive these electric vehicles?
The driver must have 12 years old and cannot carry another passenger with it. He also cannot listen to music while driving, as it may prevent him from being alert.
For owners of EDPM, it is necessary to take out specific insurance for these light vehicles. So you are protected in the event of an accident!
Where to drive and where to park?
On a scooter, gyroroue, Segway, you must ride on cycle paths when there are any, failing that on roads with a maximum speed limit of 50 km/h. Outside urban areas, traffic is strictly prohibited on the road. The maximum travel speed on public roads is 25 km/h. It is quite possible to use a clamping software that will limit the speed of your vehicle. In general, it is possible to park your electric scooter on the sidewalk only if it does not interfere with pedestrians. Each city can apply its own regulations. For example, in Paris, parking a self-service electric scooter on the sidewalk is punishable by a fine of €49. You can contact your town hall to find out the regulations in your municipality.
What equipment is really mandatory?
Since their circulation in the public space, certain equipment was recommended without ever being compulsory. Attention, following an obvious lack of visibility of these vehicles by other road users, this changes from July 1, 2020! Thus, for your safety, the yellow safety vest is compulsory at night and during the day in low visibility. Still with a view to increased safety for these road users, here is the equipment that must be present on the vehicle :- glare-free front light: yellow or white
- a red rear position light
- a red reflector at the back
- one or more orange reflectors on the sides
- one or more white reflectors at the front
- a braking system
- a buzzer
Ok, but what am I risking?
Here are the different penalties for non-compliance with the highway code:
- 2nd class fine, i.e. 35 euros
If a second person is with you on your vehicle, as well as in the event of non-compliance with traffic rules, but also in the event that you are pulling a load or if a vehicle is towing you.If you are not wearing a retro-reflective equipment in case of low light (rain, wind, fog, etc.).
- 4th class fine, i.e. 135 euros
If you drive on a sidewalk when you are not allowed to or if you unclamp your vehicle to be able to drive faster than the maximum authorized speed.
- 5th class fine, i.e. 1500 euros and possible confiscation of the vehicle
If the machine you are using has an original travel capacity of more than 25 km/h.
The freedom to ride safely
In view of their great presence in our cities, it is a safe bet that the laws will continue to evolve to regulate the use of scooters, Segways, Segways and other vehicles.
At B REFLECTIVE, we want to make safety aesthetic for all pedestrians and their different vehicles. This is why we offer a wide range of colored or discreet retro-reflective stickers. Find all our visibility devices for scooters, gyroroues and Segways.
