Sources: DIA, Le Monde, Electrek

In both regions, a new rule has been introduced that riders of e-scooters must wear a helmet and high visibility clothing, while Ireland is also introducing a ban on under-18 riders.

The new legislation in both Ireland and Paris follows concern around serious injury rates rising, with Ireland particularly focused on the risks for younger riders, and more broadly in Paris.

The Paris regulations

An announcement about the new regulations was made in early August by the Paris Police Prefecture (PPP), with riders failing to comply being subject to a fine of €135 for not wearing a helmet, and €35 for the absence of approved high-visibility clothing. The rules are applicable at any time of day when riding on public roads.

The ruling comes in light of concern around the rising serious accident rates involving e-scooters. A statement issued by the PPP reference a report from the National Inter-ministerial Road Safety Observatory, which records that in France there were 79 fatalities of personal mobility device users – 34 more than in 2024 – and that around 1,100 e-scooter users were seriously injured in 2025, an increase of 33% on the previous year.

E-bikes are not subject to the new Paris rules. French legislation distinguishes between pedal-assist e-bikes and the category of motorised personal mobility devices (EDPM), which includes electric scooters as well as hoverboards, monowheels and other similar devices. E-bikes are instead regulated under France’s relevant bicycle laws.

Although Paris placed a ban on rental e-scooters in 2023, privately owned scooters remain popular across France and in the capital city.

Ireland’s new rules

Anyone under the age of 18 is prohibited from using an e-scooter, under measures agreed by the Irish Government for roll-out during August 2026.

Further planned legislation includes reclassification of e-scooters as mechanically propelled vehicles, the introduction of licensing and registration requirements, and the sale of e-scooters which do not meet legal requirements for public-road use.

The tightening of rules follows concern about rising cases of serious injury involving younger riders. Figures from Children’s Health Ireland and Ireland’s Health Service Executive reportedly show that more than one-third of paediatric traumatic brain injury admissions to the CHI at Temple Street children’s hospital in Dublin during 2026 were connected to e-scooters.