Monaco bans electric scooters and bikes for under-14s in major road safety shake-up

Monaco bans electric scooters and bikes for under-14s in major road safety shake-up - Monaco has introduced a new road safety law that bans children under 14 from using electric scooters or electric bikes on public roads. The change is part of a wider push to protect young users and reduce accidents. Under the new rules, teens aged 14 to 18 will only be allowed to use these vehicles if they’ve completed road safety training and hold either the Attestation Scolaire de Sécurité Routière (ASSR) level 1 or 2, or a category AM driving licence.

The regulation aligns Monaco with France, which raised the minimum age for riding electric scooters from 12 to 14 last year. Officials say the update creates a clearer and more protective standard for families and it’s already being welcomed by parents, road safety advocates, and local retailers. While accidents involving minors remain rare in Monaco, authorities say the growing popularity of high-speed electric scooters, which can reach up to 25km/h, poses clear risks. In 2024, a 13-year-old was injured in a fall from an e-scooter, while a 14-year-old cyclist was involved in a traffic accident. Helmets remain mandatory up to age 18, but officials have noted frequent rule-breaking among young riders, including speeding, ignoring red lights, and riding without protective gear. Finally, the new law also clarifies that children under 12 are not permitted to cycle on roads or bike lanes unless accompanied by an adult.