On July 29, an operation to control electric scooters was conducted by the municipal police. The objective: to penalize users who ride on tram tracks and sidewalks and to conduct prevention efforts. This action also aims to reassure pedestrians.
11 a.m., on July 29, at the intersection of Avenue de la République and Rue Barla. The municipal police are in place, observed by Anthony Borré and Gaël Nofri. The first checks on electric scooter users take place. Infractions are penalized. “Oh really? Since when can’t we ride on the tramway tracks?” exclaims a man on his scooter. After the surprise, comes the anger at being fined. “I’m not going to say anything else or I’ll end up speaking ill of a few people,” says another person.
Yet, they are all in violation. On an electric scooter, it is forbidden to ride on the tramway tracks and sidewalks. This municipal police operation aims to penalize unlawful behavior while educating users. Because the risks are present.
A real danger for pedestrians
“I’m afraid of the speed“, declares an elderly lady to Anthony Borré, about the passage of electric scooters on the sidewalks of Avenue de la République. A fear that has become widespread among the elderly, faced with the multiplication of electric scooters, which can reach speeds of over 25 kilometers per hour if they are unbridled. A situation confirmed by the deputy mayor: “We direct these operations based on the complaints we receive. We meet many elderly people who are afraid to go out because scooters have hit them“, explains Anthony Borré.
This observation is reiterated by Gaël Nofri. “We are fortunate to be in a city with significant pedestrian mobility. However, scooters and bicycles contribute to the danger for pedestrians“, he explains.
Increased checks
To counter the danger of scooters on pedestrian areas and tramways, Nice has intensified its efforts. In 2024, there were 75 reports made to the judicial police officer for lack of insurance. In other words, for uninsured scooters. In the same year, 519 fines related to traffic violations were also issued. For 2025, Anthony Borré assures that the action has significantly intensified: “From January 1 to July 28, 2025, there have been 80 reports to the judicial police officer for lack of insurance. And already 332 fines. We will exceed the figures of 2024.”
Twice a week, scooter checks are conducted, like the one on July 29. The aim is to penalize dangerous behavior. “I do not want to stigmatize a specific mode of transport, but scooters are more numerous, less regulated. It’s more difficult to control and regulate them, especially regarding speed and where they can go“, explains Anthony Borré. The issue of electric scooters is omnipresent along the Promenade des Anglais.
Goals to assist the municipal police
This morning of control was also an opportunity for Anthony Borré and Gaël Nofri to outline objectives to better tackle improper scooter use. “We need to go further. A registration for scooters would simplify the actions of the municipal police“, declares Gaël Nofri. “Make wearing a helmet mandatory“, suggests Anthony Borré, before continuing with the preventive aspect: “We are implementing prevention at scooter retailers, to remind them that buyers must insure their scooters.”
As a reminder, in Nice, it is forbidden to ride on sidewalks and tramway tracks with scooters and bicycles. This behavior is subject to a fine if checked by the police.
