Special regulations on the age limit for electric scooter riders in France

Special regulations on the age limit for electric scooter riders in France
As electric scooters become more popular in France, their relevant regulations are constantly being updated and improved. For international wholesale buyers engaged in electric scooter-related businesses, it is crucial to understand the latest developments in these regulations. This article will delve into the special regulations on the age limit for electric scooter riders in France and the impact of these regulations on the market.

1. The latest policy on the age limit for electric scooters in France
(I) Policy background and purpose
In recent years, electric scooters have rapidly become popular in French cities and have become a convenient short-distance means of transportation. However, the number of traffic accidents that have followed has also increased, especially those involving minors. In order to ensure road safety and reduce the occurrence of traffic accidents, the French government launched a national action plan for the use of electric scooters in March 2023. The plan aims to regulate the use of electric scooters, improve users' safety awareness, and increase penalties for violations.
(II) Specific age limit regulations
According to the action plan, the minimum age for electric scooter drivers has been raised from 12 to 14 years old. This means that only teenagers and adults who are 14 years old or older can legally drive electric scooters on public roads. The main purpose of this regulation is to protect minors from unnecessary risks in the traffic environment. At the same time, the government also hopes to encourage electric scooter users to have a stronger sense of safety and traffic rules by raising the age limit.
(III) Adjustments to other relevant regulations
In addition to the adjustment of the age limit, the French government has also made other regulations on the use of electric scooters. For example, it is prohibited for two people to ride on an electric scooter together, and it is prohibited to ride on a prohibited lane. For users who violate these regulations, the fine has also been increased from the original 35 euros to 135 euros. In addition, the government also plans to establish a micro-transportation observatory to collect and analyze the use data and accidents of electric scooters to provide a basis for future policy making.

2. The impact of age limit regulations on the market
(I) Impact on electric scooter manufacturers and sellers
The increase in the age limit may have a certain impact on electric scooter manufacturers and sellers. On the one hand, this may lead to a reduction in the target customer group, especially for those brands and merchants that mainly target the youth market, which may need to readjust their market strategies. On the other hand, this also prompts manufacturers and sellers to pay more attention to the safety performance and quality of products to meet higher market access standards.
(II) Impact on the electric scooter rental business
For the electric scooter rental business, the increase in age limits means that a more stringent customer identity verification procedure is required. Rental companies need to ensure that only customers who meet age requirements can rent electric scooters, which may increase operating costs and management difficulties. At the same time, this may also prompt rental companies to strengthen safety training and guidance for customers to reduce the risk of accidents.
(III) Impact on consumers
For consumers, the increase in age limits means that they need to comply with traffic rules more when using electric scooters and improve their safety awareness. At the same time, this may also prompt consumers to choose safer and more reliable electric scooter products and pay more attention to wearing safety equipment such as helmets.

3. Response strategies of international wholesale buyers
(I) Pay attention to regulatory trends and adjust product strategies
As international wholesale buyers, it is necessary to pay close attention to the latest developments in French regulations on electric scooters and adjust product strategies in a timely manner according to these changes. For example, if it is found that the regulations in a certain region have special requirements for the performance or design of electric scooters, products that meet the local market can be developed in a targeted manner to improve the competitiveness of the products.
(ii) Strengthen cooperation and communication with suppliers
Maintain a good cooperative relationship with suppliers of electric scooters, communicate the impact of regulatory changes on products in a timely manner, and jointly explore solutions. This helps to ensure that the products supplied meet local regulatory requirements, while also being able to respond quickly to market changes.
(iii) Provide value-added services to enhance customer trust
In addition to the product itself, customer trust and satisfaction can also be enhanced by providing value-added services. For example, provide customers with detailed product instructions and safety guides to help them better understand and comply with local regulatory requirements. In addition, after-sales support can also be provided to solve problems encountered by customers during use.

4. Future development trends of the electric scooter market
(i) Technology upgrade and innovation
As regulations become increasingly stringent, electric scooter manufacturers will pay more attention to technology upgrades and innovations to improve product safety and compliance. For example, develop more advanced braking systems, speed control systems, and intelligent safety features such as automatic braking, speed limit reminders, etc.
(II) Market segmentation and differentiated competition
Against the background of the increase in age restrictions, the market may be further segmented, and differentiated products for different age groups and consumer groups may appear. For example, electric scooters for the youth market may pay more attention to safety, education and entertainment, while electric scooters for adult consumers may emphasize performance, comfort and fashion.
(III) Improvement of safety awareness and market education
The strict implementation of regulations will prompt the entire market to pay more attention to the improvement of safety awareness. Manufacturers, sellers and rental companies may increase safety education for consumers and improve consumers' awareness of the safe use of electric scooters through publicity and training. This will not only help reduce the occurrence of traffic accidents, but also establish a good image for the market and promote the healthy development of the market.

5. Case analysis: The impact of electric scooter regulations in other regions on the market
(I) Adjustment of electric scooter rental business in Paris
In Paris, due to the popularity of electric scooters and the increase in related problems, the government has taken a series of measures to regulate the market. For example, in 2022, the city of Paris planned to raise the minimum age for electric scooter rental to 18 years old. This policy change has prompted local electric scooter rental companies to re-evaluate their business models and strengthen customer identity verification and management. Some companies have also added safety training sessions for customers to ensure that users can use electric scooters correctly and safely.
(II) Electric scooter regulations and market reactions in other countries
In other countries, such as the United States and Canada, electric scooter regulations also vary. For example, in some cities in the United States, the use of electric scooters is subject to specific age limits, speed limits, and driving area regulations. The implementation of these regulations has prompted the local electric scooter market to pay more attention to product compliance and safety, and has also promoted the market to develop in a more standardized and mature direction.

6. Summary and Outlook
The special provisions on the age limit for electric scooter riders in France reflect the government's emphasis on road safety and consumer protection. For international wholesale buyers, understanding and complying with these regulations is the key to entering and expanding the French market. By paying attention to regulatory trends, adjusting product strategies, strengthening cooperation with suppliers, and providing value-added services, buyers can maintain their advantages in the fierce market competition.
In the future, with the continuous advancement of technology and the improvement of regulations, the electric scooter market will usher in a healthier and more sustainable development. As market participants, we need to adapt to changes with a positive attitude and promote innovation and development in the industry.