Loire-Atlantique: the mandatory wearing of helmets and jackets for electric scooters

Collisions involving electric scooters, self-balancing scooters, monowheels and hoverboards are on the rise in France. In Loire-Atlantique, the number of serious accidents doubled between 2023 and 2025, from 16 to 33. In this context, a prefectural decree has just been issued, making the wearing of helmets and retroreflective vests compulsory throughout the department. Users of these motorized personal transport devices (EDP-m) must comply day and night, under penalty of a fine of 35 euros.

“Faced with the increase in the number of injuries linked to the use of electric scooters and other motorized vehicles, it is essential to adapt our rules to better protect their users and all road users,” indicates Laurent Hottiaux, the new prefect of Loire-Atlantique who took office in July, in a press release. He had already introduced this measure in April in the Alpes-Maritimes, where he previously worked.

According to the prefecture, “injury accidents involving an EDP-m now represent 5% of the 655 bodily accidents recorded in the department, compared to 2% in 2023”. And since the start of 2026, 25 injury accidents have already been recorded.

For better cohabitation between users

“It is appropriate to allow all users to co-exist as best as possible in order to ensure their safety on public roads, in and outside urban areas,” stipulates the prefectural decree in force since September 16. Cyclists are not concerned, even if they are invited to equip themselves in the same way. If municipalities in Loire-Atlantique have already been able to issue decrees in this area, “it appears necessary to ensure harmonization of these measures across the entire department, in order to guarantee their consistency and effectiveness”.