Nice, France Mandates E-Scooter Helmets
Starting November 1, 2025, the city of Nice, France, has officially implemented a new regulation making helmets mandatory for all electric scooter riders. This measure, introduced by the Nice city government, aims to reduce the severity of injuries from scooter-related accidents and enhance safety for all road users.
Key Takeaways
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New Rule in Nice: As of November 1, 2025, helmets are mandatory for all e-scooter riders on public roads in Nice.
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Fine for Violation: Riders caught without a helmet will face a €35 fine.
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Driven by Data: The law follows approximately 500 annual scooter accidents since 2022, resulting in over 100 trauma cases yearly.
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High-Speed Concerns: Authorities are cracking down on modified scooters reaching 70 km/h, which is far above the 25 km/h legal limit.
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A French First: Nice is one of the first major French cities to enact such a local mandate, as national law does not currently require helmets for e-scooters in urban areas.
Why Nice is Mandating Helmets: The Accident Data
The city's decision is based on alarming safety statistics. Since 2022, Nice has recorded approximately 500 scooter-related accidents annually. This results in an average of 100 injuries per year severe enough to require trauma care, with facial and wrist fractures being the most common.
The fatality statistics are equally concerning. Here is a breakdown of the data since 2022:
|
Accident Type (Since 2022) |
Number of Incidents |
Resulting Fatalities |
|---|---|---|
|
Accidents caused by e-scooter operators |
25 |
5 deaths |
|
Accidents involving only the e-scooter operator |
16 |
1 death (the rider) |
The Problem: Modified Scooters & High-Speed Risks
A major safety concern is the prevalence of "unlocked" or modified scooters. Some of these machines have been clocked at speeds up to 70 km/h (approx. 43 mph), drastically exceeding France's legal speed limit of 25 km/h (15.5 mph).
This level of unregulated power creates a significant public hazard. This safety debate mirrors concerns in other vehicle classes, such as the electric dirt bike for adults category, where high-powered motors are common. While a powerful electric dirt bike adult model is designed for off-road use, modified scooters bring this dangerous speed onto public sidewalks.
Regulation Details and National Context
The municipal decree applies to all public roads and spaces open to traffic throughout the city. It is officially set to last until March 1, 2026, though officials have clearly stated an "intention to extend it."
This move makes Nice a pioneer in France. Currently, the national French Road Code does not mandate helmets for e-scooters (except when riding outside city limits). The new rule also highlights a growing divide in vehicle classification. While scooter safety is under the microscope, riders of high-speed fat tire electric bikes or a fat tire ebike are often subject to different rules, despite having similar top speeds.
A Message from the Mayor:
"My goal is for everyone to wear a helmet. I love my citizens, and I want to reduce the number of serious accidents, protect lives, and strengthen the safety of scooter users and other road users."
— Christian Estrosi, Mayor of Nice (Horizons party)
FAQ
What is the fine for not wearing a helmet on an e-scooter in Nice?
The fine for violating the new municipal decree is €35.
Does this helmet law apply to bicycles or electric bikes?
No, this specific municipal decree applies only to electric scooters. It does not currently apply to bicycles or adult electric bikes. However, safety experts recommend helmets for all micromobility, especially for high-speed models like an electric bike fat tire.
Is this a permanent law in France?
No. This is a local law for the city of Nice, not a national French law. It is currently temporary, effective from November 1, 2025, to March 1, 2026, although the city intends to make it permanent.
Why are 70 km/h scooters dangerous?
The legal speed limit is 25 km/h. Scooters traveling at 70 km/h have braking distances and impact forces far beyond what the vehicle was designed for. This speed is comparable to the best electric dirt bike models, which are built with heavy-duty suspension and brakes, unlike a standard e-scooter. If you are looking for an electric dirt bike for sale with that level of power, it is critical to get a vehicle designed for it.
