EDPMs can finally go through the red light!

Don't be fooled by this catchy title, some might say, others might say it's a "click-bait"! As dear Camille would say, "it's a big piece of real news that needs to be communicated". But you know me, I'm always available to help. <So, what are we talking about?
Quite simply, not only can M12 signs be used by PMDUs (Motorised Personal Displacement Equipment), they have also become compulsory. In fact, a new decree has been published in the Journal Officiel announcing that PMDUs will have to follow the signs dedicated to cyclists. And it all starts with respecting the signs.

The new road signs remain visually unchanged in terms of shape and pictogram, but will be updated to include specific guidelines for the use of electric scooters. These guidelines could include indications of areas where scooter traffic is prohibited, permissions to run red lights while giving way to other road users in certain areas, as well as the introduction of specific signs indicating rules or information that apply only to cyclists.

To return to this (deliberately) catchy title, this decree does not exclusively bring restrictions, at least for users of electric scooters. Prior to this decision, the latter were strictly forbidden from crossing red lights on pain of receiving a substantial fine. Although the government is not revealing all the details of its approach, it would appear that the aim of these new rules is to harmonise traffic in urban areas, particularly on major roads where the safety of all users is at stake.

New rules also mean new consequences. While scooters used to enjoy a kind of totem of immunity because they didn't fit into the appropriate box, this is no longer the case. Even if they remain in a separate category, they can (and will) be penalised at the same level as cyclists. In addition to the signs, we're talking here about compulsory helmet wearing, having suitable equipment, riding on cycle lanes or roads under certain conditions, the ban on wearing headphones, not smoking while riding a scooter or being two on one vehicle.