Helmet now mandatory for e-scooters near Paris, with fines of up to €1,500
Over the past few months, accidents involving motorised personal mobility devices have been on the rise across Île-de-France. Faced with this worrying reality, a department neighbouring Paris has decided to take firm action. Riding an electric scooter without a helmet in Hauts-de-Seine could now cost you dearly.
A prefectural order that changes the rules
The prefect of Hauts-de-Seine, Alexandre Brugère, signed a prefectural order on Tuesday 28 July 2026. The order makes helmet-wearing compulsory for all users of motorised personal mobility devices in the department. In addition, wearing a high-visibility vest is now also mandatory.
The measure does not apply solely to electric scooters. Unicycles, Segways and hoverboards are also covered by the order. The decision takes effect immediately, with no transition period.
The order also reiterates rules already in force. Speed is capped at 25 km/h for these devices, and their use remains prohibited for anyone under 14 years of age.
“Every accident is one tragedy too many. In response to the alarming rise in accidents involving motorised personal mobility devices in Hauts-de-Seine, prefect Alexandre Brugère is tightening safety rules.”
Steep financial penalties to deter risky behaviour
Failing to comply with these new requirements exposes riders to a fine of up to €1,500. It is a significant penalty, designed to discourage dangerous behaviour. As a result, every personal motorised device user must now gear up before hitting the road.
Checks will be stepped up across the affected towns. Awareness campaigns will accompany these on-the-ground inspections. The goal is clear: to reduce the number of serious accidents.
- Helmet compulsory for all electric scooters and equivalent devices
- High-visibility vest compulsory
- Speed limited to 25 km/h
- Use prohibited for those under 14 years of age
- Fine of up to €1,500 for non-compliance
The tragedy of César, a 13-year-old boy
The decision follows a tragedy that occurred in June. César, a 13-year-old teenager, was struck by a car while riding a scooter without a helmet. His death left a deep mark on the community and accelerated the authorities’ decision-making.
Accidents like this serve as a stark reminder of just how essential personal protection is. A helmet can, in many cases, make the difference between life and death. This obligation is therefore not an arbitrary constraint, but a direct response to a tragic reality.
Three years ago, shared electric scooters had already been banned in the capital. Yet the number of personal device users has continued to grow on the streets of Paris and its surroundings.
Hauts-de-Seine follows in Seine-et-Marne’s footsteps
In issuing this order, Hauts-de-Seine is following the lead of Seine-et-Marne, which had already adopted the same measure from 3 July 2026. Two Île-de-France departments now require helmets for motorised personal mobility device users.
Other French towns have also taken this step at the municipal level. The movement is gaining momentum across the country, and the trend looks set to continue.
Towards a national law on personal motorised devices?
A nationwide initiative is currently under consideration. It would cover motorised personal mobility devices as well as bicycles. Checks and awareness campaigns are also set to be ramped up in the capital’s neighbouring towns already affected by local rules.
This national perspective shows that the safety of scooters and other personal motorised devices has moved well beyond a local issue. Public authorities are waking up to the urgency of acting on a larger scale. In the meantime, each department and each town is moving forward at its own pace.
For motorised personal mobility device users in Île-de-France, the message could not be clearer. Putting on a helmet and a high-visibility vest before getting on your scooter is no longer optional, it is a legal requirement. Checks have been announced, and the fines are very real.
