France has introduced new regulations on electronic scooters as a way of restoring a sense of tranquility for pedestrians.
The battery-powered, motorised vehicles have been the subject of heated debate across Europe amidst reports of multiple accidents.
The country is now imposing a speed limit of 25 kilometres per hour on the vehicles with a fine of €1500 for people possessing e-scooters capable of a higher speed limit.
The new changes to France’s driving code incorporate a minimum age of 12-years-old in order to drive an e-scooter.
E-scooters, which can travel at more than 50km/h (30mph), are growing in popularity, in part because of their low environmental impact.
Junior Transport Minister Jean-Baptiste Djebbari said in a statement the new rules would encourage “more responsible use and restore a sense of tranquillity for pedestrians, in particular the most vulnerable: the elderly, children and handicapped people”.
