Paris mandates safety gear for e-scooter riders with fines for non‑compliance

Paris police announced a tightening of traffic regulations for two‑wheeler riders after a 45 percent rise in fatal accidents involving bicycles, electric scooters and motorcycles over the past year. The new measures, which take effect on 1 September, require all cyclists and scooter users to wear helmets, prohibit riding on sidewalks, and impose a maximum speed of 20 km/h for electric scooters in designated urban zones. Motorcyclists will face stricter speed monitoring, with additional speed cameras installed on major thoroughfares and heavier fines for violations.

The policy shift follows an internal review that recorded 27 deaths and 112 serious injuries linked to two‑wheeler collisions in the city since January, prompting officials to prioritize rider safety and reduce congestion. Police will conduct regular spot checks and collaborate with the city’s transport department to improve signage and dedicated bike lanes. Authorities expect the combined enforcement and infrastructure upgrades to curb the upward trend in fatalities and restore confidence among commuters.