After a rise in accident rates, France mandates electric bike users to wear helmets and reflective clothing

Electric bike users in Paris are now required to wear helmets and reflective clothing under new rules adopted following a noticeable rise in injuries caused by these vehicles, according to the French police. These new regulations, which recently came into force in Paris and its inner suburbs, apply to all users of motorized personal mobility devices, including electric bikes, Segways, and electric scooters, which the police say are seeing growing popularity.

Electric bikes rented from shared services have been banned from Paris streets since 2023, when city authorities voted to prohibit them for safety reasons. However, privately owned electric bikes remain widely used.

The police clarified that this latest measure follows a surge in accidents involving these vehicles, with “a significant proportion” of incidents resulting in serious or fatal head injuries. Citing data from the French Road Safety Authority, Paris police announced a sharp increase in fatalities among unprotected road users, particularly electric bike riders, in 2025. The number of deaths reached 79, compared to 45 in the previous year. Additionally, approximately 1,100 electric bike users suffered serious injuries in 2025, representing a 33% increase over the prior year, according to the same data.

The police noted that failure to wear a helmet carries a fine of 135 euros, while those not wearing a high-visibility vest or reflective clothing face a fine of 35 euros. The decision applies at all times on public roads.