9 Ways to Rent an Electric Scooter In Paris
How to Rent an Electric Scooter In Paris - Paris has quickly become one of the most popular cities in the world to rent electric scooters – or Trottinettes électriques as the locals call them. In fact, e-scooters became so popular that by mid-2020 the city had to take action against the number of scooters and scooter operators and impose numerous restrictions. That said, it's still incredibly easy to find, rent, and use an electric scooter when you're in La Ville-Lumière (The City of Light).
- Which electric scooter companies operate in Paris?
Lime, Tier and Dott are the only authorized operators as of July 2020. These 3 operators were given 2-year contracts to be the only electric scooter operators in Paris. They are allowed to operate 5,000 scooters each, which means there are about 15,000 electric scooters available in the city.
In 2019 there were 10 operators and about 20,000 electric scooters in the city. Complaints from Parisians about scooters zooming by on sidewalks and lying around prompted city leaders to crack down and issue numerous regulations.
- Do I need a Lime, Tier, or Dott account and app?
Yes, you must have an existing account and the operator's smartphone app. Download the app and set up an account with your chosen operator(s). You will need to set up a payment method so you can either pre-load your account or be charged while you drive.
While it's easier to take care of this in advance, you can decide on the spot to set up an account and rent a scooter if you want.
- How do I find a scooter to rent?
Look for scooters at designated docking stations across Paris. All 3 operators have numerous docking stations scattered throughout the city - look out for the Lime, Tier or Dott logo and a docking rack with a bunch of scooters! If you don't see any nearby, open your scooter operator's app and look for the map feature, which shows docking stations in your area.
You'll also find scooters parked haphazardly throughout the city. Big shock here - not every rider returns their scooter to a designated docking station. You can rent any scooter you happen to find parked and then congratulate yourself for helping clean up the City of Lights!
- How do I use the app to rent a specific scooter?
Open the Lime, Tier or Dott app and scan the QR code on the handlebars. Regardless of the operator, renting a scooter is very similar and really easy. Locate the large QR code in the center of the handlebar and scan it with your app. Check the battery level for the scooter in the app, then press the tab to confirm that you want to complete the rental.
Don't ignore the battery check indicator before renting a scooter. It's really annoying when your scooter runs out of juice halfway up the Montmartre hill!
- How much does it cost?
Expect to pay around €1 to unlock a scooter and €0.15 per minute. Prices may vary by operator and will likely increase over time, but this is the general price range as of mid-2020. Check your operator's app for current prices.
As of January 2021, €1 (Euro) is equivalent to approximately $1.22 (USD).
- Where can I ride an electric scooter in Paris?
If possible, stay on designated bike paths. Bike lanes are the safest and most convenient way to legally ride a scooter in Paris. They are clearly marked with painted lines, bike logos and directional arrows. Most bike lanes have oncoming traffic, so stay in your lane and follow the arrows.
Paris now has around 700 km (430 mi) of cycle lanes and is rapidly adding more in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Before planning a specific scooter ride within the city, search online for a map of bike lane routes.
Use motor vehicle lanes when necessary, and obey all traffic laws. Electric scooters are permitted on the roads in Paris, but you must obey all motor vehicle traffic laws. Stay to the outside edge of the lane whenever possible and expect cars to pass you aggressively. Stay alert—Parisians are not known for being overly patient or "by-the-book" drivers!
Stick to the bikeways whenever they're available. This is the much safer option.
Do not ride your electric scooter on the sidewalk. Banning scooters from sidewalks was the number-one goal of the restrictions put in place in 2020. You can be fined at least €135 for riding on the sidewalk—and that makes for a very expensive ride!
- What are some of the other key rules for scooters in Paris?
You must be at least 12 years old and drive alone. No passengers are allowed on electric scooters, including infants strapped to baby carriers. Actually, children under the age of 12 are not allowed to ride on an electric scooter at all.
The speed limit for electric scooters is 25 km (16 miles) per hour. The scooters that can be rented in Paris are calibrated not to exceed this speed. For safety reasons, try to keep the scooter at or below 15 km (9.3 miles) per hour in most conditions
Take it easy and drive slow if you are new to an electric scooter! You'll get the hang of it quickly, but it's not safe to just go flat out.
Put a helmet on your head, but don't put headphones in your ears. Helmets are not required by law, but are highly recommended by the authorities. Headphones, earplugs and similar devices are specifically prohibited and you may be subject to a fine.
Helmets cannot be rented, meaning you either have to buy one in Paris or bring one from home. Neither option is ideal, but make security your priority.
- How do I operate an electric scooter?
Push off and use the throttle on the right grip to accelerate. If you are right-handed, place your left foot on the footpad and face straight ahead. Push off with your right foot and place it on the footpad behind and perpendicular to your left foot. Move the throttle lever down slightly to turn on the electric motor. The further you push the lever down, the faster you go.
Always keep both hands on the handlebars.
Use the lever brake on the left handle to stop the scooter. Release the throttle with your right hand and squeeze the brake lever with your left hand. The lever brake works in the same way as a bicycle brake. Only push with full force if you must stop immediately.
Coast to a stop by releasing the throttle and applying the brake gently as you begin to slow down.
- What do I do with the scooter when I'm done?
Use the app to find parking and end your session. If possible, finish your ride by parking the scooter at one of the designated docking stations. These are located throughout Paris and help avoid the scooter clutter that so frustrates locals. Once parked, press the button on your app to end your session - don't forget this part or you'll still be billed for using the scooter!
If you cannot park your scooter at a docking station, park it upright in a secluded spot on the sidewalk, away from the line of foot traffic. Remember that if your parked scooter blocks the sidewalk, you can be fined at least €35.
Fold down the side stand and let the scooter stand upright. Electric scooters have kickstands so please use them! Simply push down the kickstand with your foot to park the scooter upright. Don't just lay it on its side as this takes up a lot more space on Paris' already narrow sidewalks.
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