Controlling the circulation of electric scooters in our cities is back in the news, after the fatal accident Tuesday evening in Montbéliard. A young man from Sochaux, aged 22, was killed while going down Rue du Parc on a road soaked by heavy rain. Riding a balance bike, a sort of mini electric bike, he fell alone on the asphalt and died when help arrived, a little before 9 p.m.
The balance bike falls under the same regulations as electric scooters or single wheels. This is the classification of EDPM, motorized personal travel devices. Maximum authorized speed 25 km/h on road, 6 km/h on pedestrian path and sidewalks prohibited. Insurance is compulsory, via civil liability, but the helmet is only recommended.
In Montbéliard, the municipal police ensure that these regulations are respected. “Control operations take place regularly, particularly in the pedestrian street where fines of €85 are issued for excessive speed or the presence of two passengers on the scooter. This can go as far as confiscation of the machine, when there is a lack of insurance.”explains Philippe Duvernoy, security assistant in the city of Montbéliard. “Declaration to your civil liability insurance is obligatory.”
On the other hand, helmet is only recommended, but not obligatory. What Philippe Duvernoy regrets, “because falls can be fatal”we unfortunately noticed this on Tuesday evening.