If you’re thinking about taking an e-scooter tour through Paris, we’d be surprised if you hadn’t wondered whether or not e-scooter tours are safe. It’s wise to think about that, especially in such a busy city that sees millions of travelers a year.
When we talk about safety here, it’s also important to take it with a grain of salt: e-scooter riding is generally safe for tourists so long as common-sense precautions are followed. That means understanding local rules, riding at appropriate speeds, and using protective gear. Literally no mode of transportation comes without risk, but e-scootering is a fun, safe way to see the city when you have an experienced guide leading you.
According to the French Road Safety Observatory, riding bikes is statistically more risky than riding scooters. And even still, they’re considered relatively safe for tour groups – and there are a few reasons for that.
Is it safe to ride an e-scooter in Paris?
When paying attention and being aware, riding e-scooters in a tour group is considered safe.
Over the past decade, Paris has deliberately worked on remodeling and redesigning its streets to work better for all-things-not-cars. The city is improving all of the time for pedestrians, bikes, and other modes of transportation, scooters included.
In fact, the city even released a “Code of Good Conduct” for all e-scooter operators that talks about when and where to ride, safety, and even larger sustainability goals. Because Paris is such a foot-traffic-forward city, safety is top of mind every day, and it’s reflected in the addition of more and more car-free zones and lanes.
Nowadays, electric scooters are extremely common, whether they’re for private use, rented, or in a tour. Because of that, drivers and cyclists are pretty accustomed to seeing them and sharing the roads with them. That kind of familiarity can help reduce unexpected interactions.
Plus, when you’re in a group, it’s a lot harder to miss because there are more people in close proximity to each other. In Paris, tours are extremely common, so locals are also generally aware of when and where to look out for them.
Nonetheless, when riding an e-scooter, you should make sure that you follow your guide closely and abide by their direction and signals in order to keep yourself and everyone else on the tour safe.
Are e-scooters legal in Paris?
Absolutely. Electric scooters are legal to ride in Paris and all across France, though there are rules that all e-scooter riders need to follow.
When you take an e-scooter tour, your guide will go over the necessary rules with you.
Like any other motor vehicle, you will need to follow the rules of the road, like:
- Keeping to bike lanes where available
- Respecting speed limits (often 25 km/h max)
- Not riding on sidewalks
- Using lights and reflectors when required
Now, if you’re looking to rent a scooter, it’s your responsibility to understand and follow the rules when flying solo.
For tours, make sure you follow any safety/operational demos carefully.
How e-scooters work
While they can seem daunting if you’ve never operated one before, e-scooters are usually simpler than people expect them to be. They have handlebars with a throttle and brakes, and are electric powered.
The scooter itself doesn’t require you to “kick off” to operate it. It’s completely powered by a battery and a motor (not gas).
What’s great is e-scooters are designed to handle rough city surfaces like pavement, sidewalks, and small bumps. The same is true with their wheels.
If you want to book an electric scooter tour but you’ve never ridden one before, that’s okay – and very common. E-scooters are surprisingly intuitive, and after a short practice session to get you comfortable, most beginners feel better equipped in just a few minutes.
What tourists need to keep in mind
While yes, e-scooter tours are considered pretty safe, there are always risks in any activity that you choose to do. Make sure that you:
Pay attention. Keep your eyes on the road in front of you and be aware of what is happening around you.
Follow instructions and listen closely to your tour guide’s directions. They’ve probably led dozens, if not hundreds, of these tours!
Wear your helmet while riding.
Mind the speed. Ride at speeds you feel comfortable with, and make sure you’re not zipping past your tour.
Expect varied traffic. You’ll likely need to go past bicycles, cars, and people. Paris is busy, and it’s normal.
FAQs
Can tourists ride e-scooters in Paris?
Yes, of course! The best way is in a guided group tour, but it’s also possible to rent electric scooters in Paris. Just make sure you’re familiar with local scooter laws and guidelines before setting off.
Do you need a license to operate an electric scooter in Paris, France?
No special license is required for electric scooters, but you must follow all traffic laws and local regulations.
Can you rent e-scooters in Paris?
Yes, scooters can be rented.
Are e-scooter tours safe?
Guided tours that include safety briefings and have experienced leaders make e-scooter riding generally safer for visitors.
I’ve never ridden an electric scooter — can I still take an e-scooter tour?
Yes! Most people on tours are beginners or have never ridden e-scooters before. Good tour companies will do a short training session at the beginning of the tour to allow you to get acquainted with your humble steed (i.e., scooter).
