Is a helmet mandatory for electric scooters? Vests, lighting: what the law says

Nationally, helmets are only mandatory for electric scooter use in one specific situation: on roads outside of urban areas with a speed limit of 80 km/h, provided that the local authorities have authorized the use of electric scooters on that road. Everywhere else, helmets are strongly recommended, but not mandated by the Highway Code. However, it's important to note that service-public.fr indicates that Paris and several departments impose helmet use through local regulations. Reflective vests or equipment are mandatory for nighttime use everywhere. This guide clarifies the distinction between what is mandatory, what is regulated locally, and what is simply essential.

The helmet: what the national regulations say

Here's how the Road Safety Authority puts it: Within urban areas, on greenways, and on bike paths, wearing a helmet is not mandatory but is strongly recommended. It becomes mandatory outside of urban areas, on roads with a maximum speed limit of 80 km/h, when the authority responsible for traffic has authorized the use of Electric Personal Mobility devices (EDPMs). On these roads, it is also necessary to wear reflective gear and ride with the position lights on, both day and night.

Local regulations

The website service-public.fr indicates that helmets and reflective gear are mandatory in Paris and in several departments, including Hauts-de-Seine, Seine-Saint-Denis, Val-de-Marne, Alpes-Maritimes, and Yonne, noting that this list is not exhaustive. Please check the website of the prefecture in your department before riding without a helmet.

Here's what might change:

Draft laws proposed in the National Assembly, such as proposal No. 1398 of May 13, 2025, propose making approved helmets mandatory for all riders of Electric Personal Mobility devices (EDPMs). However, these regulations are not in effect until they are adopted and published.

The reflective vest and safety equipment

At night, or during the day when visibility is poor, all riders of Electric Personal Mobility Devices (EDPMs) must wear a high-visibility vest or reflective gear: armbands, a reflective backpack, or clothing with reflective stripes. This requirement stems from a decree issued on June 24, 2020, and applies even within urban areas. Failure to comply carries a fine of €35 (a 2nd-class offense). The rider may also wear additional lighting, provided it is not blinding or flashing.

The mandatory equipment for the vehicle

Our guide on electric scooter lighting details the different types of lights and how to make them reliable.

What is prohibited to wear

Earphones, and more broadly any device worn near the ear that is capable of emitting sound, are prohibited. The road safety brochure sets the fine at €135. Holding a phone in your hand is also prohibited. The principle is to keep your hearing and hands free to be aware of what is happening around you.

Here's what we recommend, going beyond legal requirements:

The law sets a minimum requirement. On an electric scooter, the rider is standing, without any protective bodywork, and the head is the first part of the body exposed in a forward fall. Our workshop's opinion:

• Always wear a helmet, properly fitted and secured. Replace it after any impact. For a heavy or fast scooter, a helmet that also protects the chin and face is more suitable than a bicycle helmet.
• Gloves: When falling, you instinctively put your hands down first. Road safety authorities recommend wearing a helmet and gloves in all circumstances.
• Wear protective clothing and closed-toe shoes that provide ankle support.
• Be seen: Wear light-colored or reflective clothing, even during the day.

On the track, the required equipment is much more comprehensive, and the rules of the event or the track specify the list. See our guide on track rider equipment, and the page for our E'trott Racing team.