Riding an electric scooter to work is becoming increasingly popular. In fact, 7% of people use this motorized two-wheeler for their daily commute, and enjoy a number of advantages in doing so.
Would you also like to switch to this type of commuting? Find out more about the benefits, as well as our advice on how to drive safely and legally.
Time-saving scooter travel
If you live in a big city, driving to work is a stressful experience from the moment you wake up in the morning, and one that lasts throughout the day. Indeed, rush-hour traffic jams are the daily lot of city dwellers, who all suffer greatly from this major inconvenience. And spending hours on public transport in the morning and evening after a long day’s work feels like a lifetime.
By taking an electric scooter to work, you’ll save a considerable amount of time, as well as having a relaxing and enjoyable time. You can use it for the whole journey, or fold it up if you need to take the bus or metro as well.
Thanks to its small size, you can ride on cycle paths, small traffic-free streets or pedestrian zones. In particular, you can weave in and out of traffic with great care. As a result, you’ll arrive at work more relaxed in the morning, and return home in the evening with plenty of energy.
Eco-friendly and economical driving
When you use a scooter, you cut many of the costs involved in getting around. It’s true that a good scooter can be expensive, but when you think about it, you’ll realize that it’s a real investment that pays for itself very quickly. You’ll save on fuel, parking, public transport and maintenance costs.
As well as being economical, riding this electric two-wheeler is also good for the environment, as it emits virtually no greenhouse gases.
Protecting yourself when riding an electric scooter
Today, there are more and more users of electric scooters. To protect them and other users (pedestrians and drivers alike), the government has had to add specific regulations to the use of this motorized vehicle.
- It is forbidden to drive on sidewalks;
- It is obligatory to ride on the roadway or on the bicycle path in compliance with the Highway Code;
- Scooters must be registered with the Ministry of the Interior to obtain a registration number;
- The speed limit is 25 km/h ;
- It is forbidden to use headphones while driving.
When it comes to protective equipment, helmets are mandatory. The helmet is the most important piece of equipment for a “vulnerable” driver, as it has no protective wall around it. At night, a reflective vest is a must. Scooters must be fitted with a horn and front and rear lights.
The obligation to insure your motorized two-wheeler
If you opt for an electric scooter to get to work, you’ll need to take out insurance to get around legally. This obligation was officially introduced on July 1, 2020 with regard to EDPM (engins de déplacement personnel motorisés). As with all these types of vehicles, it’s possible that you could be involved in a road accident. This means you’ll have to answer for any damage you suffer.
Repairing damage to others or their property can run up a bill of thousands of euros. Having liability insurance for EDPM means that the people you have harmed will be fully compensated by your insurer.
On the other hand, in the event of theft, a suitable insurance package will enable you to obtain compensation to buy a new scooter. There are a number of insurance products specifically designed for these new forms of mobility, such as the Urban’Moov offer from Moovance.
The importance of maintaining your electric scooter
To keep your scooter in good condition for as long as possible, you need to maintain it efficiently. First of all, remember to take care of your battery by applying the recommendations specific to your vehicle. Then, check the brakes, shock absorbers, folding system, etc. regularly.
Clean these components or repair them if necessary. Don’t hesitate to change them for optimum safety, and to avoid breakdowns in the middle of a journey.
