New rules for electric scooters in France

France is setting new rules for electric scooters due to hundreds of accidents including many deaths. From Saturday, rider age should be required at least 12 and will not be able to ride their scooters on the street. According to Junior Transport Minister Jean-Baptiste Djebbari,” the new rules would encourage more responsible use... and restore a sense of tranquillity for pedestrians, in particular, the most vulnerable: the elderly, children and handicapped people".Highlights of the new rule· Only one rider on will allowed per scooter and no mobile phone use will be allowed during the ride.· Riders will not be allowed to wear headphones while driving.· Speeds for scooters will now be capped at 25kmh. · Users riding on permitted faster roads must wear a helmet and high-visibility clothing· E-scooters will be completely banned on country roads.· The over the speed limit will be punished by a fine of €135 (£116), and up to €1,500A ban on parking the scooters on streets has largely gone unheard despite the threat of a €35 fine.The move will come once lawmakers pass the government's so-called Mobility law to govern free-float scooter sharing systems.But critics say the rules may not be enough to address safety concerns for pedestrians as well as riders.Last weekend, a 25-year-old man was killed and a young woman seriously injured after the scooter they were riding was struck by a car in the southwestern city of Bordeaux.At least five other scooter deaths have been reported in France, including Paris and its suburbs and the eastern city of Reims.