Scooters in Montpellier: speed, parking, sidewalks, access to stores… what are the rules ?

Trottinettes Midi Libre – JEAN-MICHEL MART

Trottinettes Midi Libre – JEAN-MICHEL MART

There are more and more people riding scooters in the streets of Montpellier. On the one hand, those who do not respect traffic rules annoy pedestrians and motorists, on the other, it is not so easy to ride with this two-wheeler.' nbsp;

Electric scooters are machines classified as motorized land vehicles. As a result, they are subject to rules in the Highway Code. So we can't do anything with it. Users of these machines must be at least 14 years old.

Circulate on sidewalks and in pedestrian zones

"I'm always on the alert when I walk around town",explains Paulette, 96 years old, who explains that she jumps every time a scooter brushes past her. "It's dangerous and they are going too fast. This is unbearable."

A situation understood by some drivers. "When there are a lot of people on foot, I prefer to get off and walk alongside", asks&#39 ;add Claire, around forty years old and mother of two children, who admits to not being sufficiently "rider to zig-zag between pedestrians. And we can't predict if they won't stop or turn suddenly. Better be careful."

Especially since electric scooters are allowed to circulate in pedestrian zones provided they respect a speed of 6 km/h. And on the sidewalks, it is imperative to put one foot on the ground.

Cycle paths, roads

As for bicycles, the cycle paths and lanes are dedicated to scooters. Traffic is in the middle of the lane if it is one-way and on the right side if the track is two-way. "Even though sometimes the bikes honk at me because I'm not going fast enough", Claire despairs.

If there is no track, scooters can use roads where the speed is limited to 50 km/h, by positioning themselves on the right side of the road. "But here too, it can be dangerous and as we slow down motorists we often get honked at and even insulted…"

"There's only for bikes and scooters in this town", s'irritates Roger. "Between traffic jams and two-wheelers, we're not moving forward. So obviously there are tensions."

In certain cases, roads outside urban areas limited to 80 km/h allow access to this type of two-wheeler… It is then obligatory to wear a helmet, reflective accessories and ride with your lights on.

Repeated accidents, already several deaths in Montpellier

As this type of machine is used more and more, accidents inevitably increase. Especially since scooters are not extremely stable, most of them are equipped with hard wheels (solid tires). It is therefore preferable to opt for air tires.

The slightest edge, pothole, puddle, tram rail, sewer drain can lead to an accident. The machine slips, skids and falls can have terrible consequences. Not to mention collisions with other vehicles

Several serious accidents and some fatalities 

Among the numerous accidents recorded, some were very serious. As in  September 2022, a man in his thirties suffered head trauma and numerous fractures after a collision with a car near the town hall on the way of Moularès. After cardiac massage, he was evacuated with a life-threatening prognosis. Same case in June 2023, for a 50-year-old man on Avenue de Monsieur-Teste. in the Celleneuve district who had fallen from his machine.  Cases of collision with a tram are also frequent.

And the two fatal accidents that occurred on May 19, one on Avenue Auguste-Broussonnet and the other on ;Avenue of Toulouse. And three days later, a 20-year-old from Montpellier had a fall in La Paillade. Placed in a coma, his vital prognosis was very serious.

What about public transport, tram and bus ?

Scooters are allowed on board buses and trams provided they are folded and not stored behind the driver's box, nor at door level.

Which deeply annoys Chrystelle who is forced to get off overcrowded buses and trams. "Already we're packed like sardines depending on the hour, the half-folded scooter can sometimes be the last straw…"

Fines incurred

To ride on this two-wheeler, you must have taken out civil liability coverage. If the person is not insured, they face a fine of 3,750 euros.

Otherwise certain offenses such as non-compliance with traffic rules – prohibited lane, sidewalk…, transporting another person, are punishable by a fine s’ amounting to 135 euros.

People who have fun driving a vehicle with a maximum speed greater than 25 km/h incur a fine of 1,500 euros.

In the event of non-compliance with the TaM regulations in public transport, the fine is 50 euros.

If you do not wear a retro-reflective vest when visibility is insufficient, the fine is 35 euros.

Parking spaces

It is not always easy to park your scooter for fear of having it stolen easily.
However, around twenty video-monitored and free bike parks are available. These covered and closed spaces, accessible 24 hours a day, accommodate bicycles and scooters near certain tram stations such as Euromédicine, Occitanie, Circé, Saint-Jean de Védas, Sabines, Notre-Dame de Sablassou, Via Domitia, Jacou, Garcia Lorca, Juvignac, Lattes et Pérols.

But also in the TaM car parks in the city center: Comédie, Corum, Europa Gambetta and Saint-Roch (station). All you have to do is present your TaM card. "It's more reassuring than hanging it outside, but you still need to equip yourself with ;#39;a good anti-theft device", explains Maxime, 24 years old. "So far, I have never had any bad surprises."

In case of theft

It is preferable to complete a pre-complaint online before going to the police station, to save time. On site you will need to provide proof of identity and an invoice. Foresighted people will have had their machine marked and will be able to give an identification number as for bicycles.

Then it will be possible to report the theft to insurance.

Otherwise, there remains the option of hanging it on hoops dedicated to this purpose while favoring places with high traffic. "I had two stolen, one after the other. Now I only leave the scooter for an hour or two max in the same place. But never at night…", confides a regular at the Polygone.

Mandatory or recommended equipment

To get around, you still need to be well equipped…

Helmet: Wearing a helmet is not obligatory but strongly recommended in built-up areas and on cycle paths.

Visibility: if visibility is insufficient, it is obligatory to wear retroreflective clothing or equipment (vest, armband… ).

Devices:electric scooters must be equipped with front and rear position lights, retroreflective devices, a braking system and a buzzer.

Headphones: wearing headphones is prohibited to remain vigilant. 

Access to stores

It is more and more common to come across people pushing their scooters in shops and supermarkets. As stores are private places, they can prohibit access. Many, however, accept that vehicles are left at the entrance or tolerate them in the aisles…

"It's a matter of common sense, hygiene and politeness. For my part, it depends if I'm asked or shamelessly walked in with it. Depending on the person and their behavior I accept or not, explains a shopkeeper from the city center.

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