Electric motorcycles: Approved for road use or off-road? What the law says in France
In France, an electric motorcycle that is approved for road use can be driven on public roads, provided it is registered and insured, and the rider holds the appropriate license for its category. An electric off-road motorcycle that is not approved for road use, such as most Sur-Ron and Talaria models sold in France, can only be ridden on designated off-road areas: never on roads, paths, or tracks open to public traffic. It must also be registered and display an identification number. Here are the rules, verified from official sources, and what changes when modifications are made.
The essentials
- Not approved for road use: Mandatory declaration, identification number must be engraved, and use is restricted to designated off-road areas only.
- Riding on a road open to traffic can result in a fine of up to €1,500 and the confiscation of the vehicle.
- The owner is responsible for their civil liability, even when using the device on private property.
- Minors are subject to specific regulations: purchase is prohibited before the age of 18, and before the age of 15, use is only permitted within a recognized sports association.
- A motorcycle that is approved for road use, but has had its power increased, is no longer compliant and is no longer permitted to be driven on public roads.
Two categories of machines
A homologated (also known as approved) motorcycle has undergone a process that verifies it meets the technical requirements of a specific category: moped, light motorcycle, or motorcycle. It is delivered with a certificate of conformity, can be registered, and the category listed on its registration document determines the required license (see our guide what license is required for an electric motorcycle).
A motorcycle that is not approved for road use did not pass this procedure. It does not have a registration certificate or a license plate. However, it is not necessarily prohibited from being used; it falls under a separate category, that of motor vehicles that are not approved for road use.
Rules for non-homologated vehicles
According to the official "unapproved motorized vehicles" document on service-public.gouv.fr (verified on June 1, 2026), the following types of vehicles that are not approved and can exceed 25 km/h are included: ATVs, mini motorcycles, motocross bikes, pit bikes, and dirt bikes. An electric all-terrain motorcycle falls into this category.
The declaration and identification number
- Purchasing new from a professional dealer in France: the seller registers the vehicle, and the buyer confirms the purchase.
- Whether purchased new online or abroad, or purchased as a used item, the buyer must declare the vehicle within 48 hours through the online service provided (DICEM).
- The assigned number is engraved on a fixed part of the vehicle and also displayed on a visible plate, which can be removed for recreational use.
- Sale, theft, or change of address: must be reported within 48 hours.
Where to ride
This vehicle can only be used on designated areas, such as an approved track or a suitable terrain. It is prohibited on all public roads: this includes roads, but also paths and trails. The official regulations stipulate a fine of up to €1,500, with possible confiscation, immobilization, impoundment, or destruction of the vehicle; and up to €750 for a vehicle without an identification number.
Insurance
The owner must have insurance that covers damages caused to others. Before lending or renting out the vehicle, the owner should verify that the driver is covered. While insurance for the driver themselves is not mandatory, it is highly recommended.
Minors
| Age | Purchase | Location and Usage |
|---|---|---|
| 18 years and older | Authorized | Authorized |
| 15 to 17 years old | Prohibited | Authorized |
| 14 years and under | Prohibited | Prohibited location; use only in activities organized by a recognized sports association, for example, one affiliated with the French Federation of Motorcycling |
Approved motorcycles: Compliance is paramount
Certain lightweight electric motorcycles are available in versions that are approved for road use, depending on the brand and the market. Only the certificate of conformity and the vehicle registration document are valid: a motorcycle described as "road-legal" or "with a road kit" is not actually road-legal until these documents are present.
A vehicle approved for road use must remain compliant with its original specifications. Increasing its power or speed beyond what is permitted by its category is prohibited by the highway code (article L317-5); any significant modification to the vehicle requires a new approval process (article R321-16). Penalties and procedures can be found on the Légifrance website. In practice, a modified, road-legal motorcycle is no longer permitted on public roads, and its insurance company may refuse to cover any accidents.
And what about the retrofit?
Converting a gasoline-powered motorcycle or scooter to electric is legally possible, but within specific parameters: a certified kit for the model, installed by a qualified installer. Our guide on converting a motorcycle or scooter to electric summarizes these parameters, and our page converting mopeds and motorcycles outlines what we do for workshops.
Where can you ride fast, then?
Sur circuit et sur les terrains autorisés. Les clubs et les circuits affiliés à la Fédération française de motocyclisme organisent des roulages et des compétitions, avec un encadrement et une assurance adaptés. C'est là qu'une machine préparée a sa place. Notre page l'univers moto électrique présente nos pièces et préparations pour ces usages.
Workshop tip
Before purchasing, ask the seller for the certificate of conformity if the machine is being sold with approval, or for proof of declaration if it is not. Also, identify the terrain where you plan to ride before you acquire the machine – this is often the biggest challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride my Sur-Ron off-road on a country road?
No. A road open to public traffic is a public road, and vehicles that are not approved for use on public roads are prohibited from using it, just like on regular roads.
And what about on my own property?
The official documentation mentions a designated area for this purpose, such as an approved track or a suitable terrain. For private land, please contact your local city hall or prefecture, and verify that your insurance covers this type of use.
Do you need a license to ride a motorcycle that is not street legal?
The official regulations do not require a license for on-road use, but they do specify age restrictions and mandate insurance. In addition, the rules of the track or club apply, such as a national federation license for competition.
Can an off-road motorcycle be approved for road use after it has been manufactured?
It's rarely possible for an individual to obtain this type of approval; it applies to a specific model and its characteristics. If you want to ride on public roads, it's best to purchase a version that is already approved for road use.
Can my 12-year-old child ride an electric pit bike?
For vehicles that are not road-legal and exceed 25 km/h, use by individuals aged 14 and under is only permitted within the activities of a recognized sports association, such as a club affiliated with the French Motorcycling Federation.