Lyon Introduces New Scooter Fleet to Enhance Safety After Fatal Accidents
Lyon, May 6, 2026 – The city of Lyon is taking proactive steps to improve electric scooter safety following a concerning rise in accidents, including three fatalities in 2025. Under pressure from municipal authorities, Dott, the operator of Lyon’s 3,500 self-service electric scooters, is replacing its entire fleet with new-generation vehicles featuring enhanced safety mechanisms. While the initiative is welcomed by the city, some users express skepticism regarding the effectiveness of the changes.
New Scooters Address Key Safety Concerns
The new Dott scooters, which are expected to fully replace the older models by Sunday, May 10, 2026, boast several upgrades designed to mitigate common accident risks. These include a wider platform and larger wheels, aiming to provide greater stability for riders. However, initial user feedback is mixed. Victoria and Salomé, two users, noted, “There’s more space, but it’s still not very secure.” They also acknowledged the addition of turn signals, which they admitted they “don’t use much.”
A significant innovation being tested on approximately 1,000 of the new vehicles is a system to detect tandem riding, a prohibited but common practice. Maggy Gerbeaux, Dott’s Public Affairs Director, explained, “The idea is to prevent the vehicle from starting if two people are on it, or to slow it down if someone gets on during a ride.” This feature directly addresses a major safety concern, as riding in pairs can significantly compromise stability and control.
User Experiences and City’s Perspective
Alessandro, a frequent scooter user who previously experienced an accident due to wet conditions, remains unconvinced by the new fleet’s impact on safety. “I had an accident because it was raining,” he recounted. “I was crossing a pedestrian crossing, so I slipped and hit my head pretty hard against the ground. But nothing broken, nothing fractured! So, I’m careful when it rains.” Despite now riding the new scooters, he states, “The reality is that, for me, it hasn’t changed anything.”
Laurent Bosetti, Deputy Mayor of Lyon for Mobility, lauded Dott’s investment in safety measures, noting the operator’s seven years of implementing various safety initiatives. However, Bosetti emphasized the need for all modes of transport to coexist safely. He highlighted that many fines issued by the police involve users of personal electric scooters, stressing that the Highway Code applies to everyone.
“I will make sure that the municipal police reinforce controls on all users, motorists a fortiori, but also cyclists and scooters, to send the message that public space is shared by all,” explained Bosetti. “The Highway Code applies to everyone, and, in fact, you can receive a fine if you do not respect the Highway Code on a scooter. If you run a red light, for example, but not only that, riding on the pavement is not allowed either.”
Future of Scooter Services in Lyon
The city of Lyon is set to launch a new call for tenders in 2027 for the operation of electric scooters, currently exclusively managed by Dott. Safety is expected to be a paramount consideration in the new specifications. This indicates a continued commitment from the city to ensure that future scooter services prioritize user well-being and responsible usage.
The ongoing efforts to improve scooter safety in Lyon reflect a broader challenge faced by urban centers worldwide as they integrate new mobility solutions into their transport networks. Balancing convenience, accessibility, and safety remains a key objective for city planners and operators alike.
Source: https://www.radiofrance.fr/franceinfo/podcasts/les-documents-franceinfo/des-trottinettes-nouvelle-generation-a-lyon-pour-limiter-les-accidents-4651660
