From November 1, 2025, all users of electric scooters in Nice, minors as well as adults, will be required to wear a helmet. The announcement was made this Thursday afternoon by Mayor Christian Estrosi at Place Pellegrini in Nice. Failure to comply will result in a €135 fine, with penalties potentially doubling or even tripling in the case of repeat offenses.
The city of Nice is taking a new step in regulating the use of electric scooters. The municipal ordinance announced by Christian Estrosi mandates helmet use for all users, regardless of age. “From November 1, every scooter driver must wear a helmet. If they do not comply with this rule, they will face a €135 fine, doubled or tripled in the case of repeat offenses,” the mayor stated.
According to the mayor, this decision is part of a strict policy in response to dangerous behaviors. “We count around 110 accidents requiring surgical interventions in Nice each year, involving either the user or pedestrians affected,” stressed Christian Estrosi, recalling the fatal accident killing a 5-year-old child caused by what he called “a reckless driver” on an electric scooter on the Promenade des Anglais in November 2023.
Behaviors deemed concerning
Beyond accidents, the municipality points out the misuses related to these vehicles. “Our law enforcement is apprehending users for speeding, sometimes between 70 and 80 km/h,” detailed Christian Estrosi.
Since the beginning of the year, the numbers speak for themselves: 106 reports for failure to insure, 709 tickets related to traffic, 1,792 tickets related to parking, 64 immobilizations, and 24 impoundments, according to the mayor’s figures.
“Today, it is a concerning issue for the Nice city administration to manage how owners use them,” emphasized the mayor.
An already strict regulatory framework
France and the city of Nice already regulate the use of electric scooters by limiting the speed to 25 km/h, which is the maximum speed of scooters sold in France. The regulations prohibit riding on sidewalks, tramways, and certain areas of Nice (Place Masséna, Avenue Jean-Médecin, part of Old Nice, Promenade des Anglais, etc.). It also requires insuring the device, being over 12 years old, and complying with the Highway Code.
Furthermore, Nice was one of the first major cities to ban free-floating scooters. “I ensured that Nice became the first major city in France to not allow free-floating scooters. Paris has also reversed its decision,” highlighted Christian Estrosi.
Toward an extension to electric bikes?
The question of mandatory helmets for electric bikes also arises. “We are also facing issues with modification of electric bikes, which are subject to the same rules as scooters. We are also sanctioning for speeding and lack of insurance. We will look into the conditions under which helmet use could also become mandatory for electric bikes,” stated the mayor.
In the meantime, Nice will become the first major French city to require helmets for all electric scooter users.
