An operation to check electric scooters took place this Tuesday morning in front of the Palais de la Méditerranée in Nice. The municipal police, accompanied by Anthony Borré and Gaël Nofri, found that the users of these motorized devices were far from compliant with regulations.
Scoot who can! The control operation of electric scooters did not fail to make an impact, yesterday morning, Tuesday, August 6. At 11 a.m., the bike path on the Promenade des Anglais, in front of the Palais de la Méditerranée, was being enforced by the municipal police. No electric scooter rider could pass without being checked.
Observation: a traffic code that is forgotten.
An Overlooked Insurance
A surprising fact from this morning of checks—among the first five people stopped by the municipal police—four users were questioned for lack of insurance. A document necessary in case of an accident or theft. Indeed, this civil liability insurance is mandatory to operate this motor vehicle, including those found in self-service.
Brice, one of the officers on site, states: “The users were not aware of this insurance even though it is required by law. They risk a fine of 135 euros and the seizure of their vehicle, which will be sent to the administrative impound lot. They can retrieve it once the insurance is settled.“
A significant lack of interest in everyone’s safety, as noted by Anthony Borré and Gaël Nofri.
Summary of Points That Must Change
Anthony Borré begins with the “usefulness” of these control operations. One of the only ways today to still fight against this “scourge.” He does not hesitate to recall the death of the 5-year-old child in 2022, who was violently hit on the Promenade des Anglais by a forty-year-old on an electric scooter. Since 2022, at least 140 arrests have taken place. Nearly 43 people also lost their lives in 2023 following accidents, an increase compared to 2022. One of the points the first deputy mayor emphasizes is the possible registration of these vehicles to save the municipal police time.
Gaël Nofri, delegate assistant for transport, recalls that “many residents no longer wish to leave their homes, in particular the elderly, because they are afraid. Parents of young children are never at ease even in pedestrian zones or on sidewalks.” Hence, prefectoral orders might soon be issued, according to Anthony Borré, to prohibit electric scooters on sidewalks, tramway zones, or pedestrian areas.
A Traffic Code Not Respected
This morning saw four people questioned for lack of insurance, another for excessive speed with an engine not suitable for the coastal bike path. The limit is set at 20 km/h. Three people were ticketed for driving while using a phone and finally, three others for wearing headphones, obviously prohibited. Yet, all these people thought they were in compliance. “I didn’t know that riding my electric scooter with headphones was prohibited. Just like not having insurance. I bought it yesterday and no seller mentioned any mandatory insurance.” complains Lydiana, a young rider who was fined.
Therefore, there will be a little more waiting for the next decree regarding the operation of electric scooters. This Thursday, August 8, Anthony Borré announced the approval of another highly anticipated decree, that of an obligatory decent dress code in the city.
