French police arrest man riding electric scooter at 57kph

A man found to be riding an electric scooter at 57kph in the middle of a main road tested positive for cannabis at the time of the offence, police in eastern France report.

The 49-year-old was also wearing headphones. The maximum permitted speed limit for electric scooters is 25kph.

Police near Lons-le-Saunier in Jura confiscated the scooter.

On their Facebook page, officers said that the vehicle was “riding in the middle of the main road despite there being a cycle lane at the location”. The man was also warned for wearing headphones, cutting off the sound of his environment.

He also tested positive for cannabis use.

An investigation has now been opened into the “unique” nature of “these infractions”.

The usual fine for illegal behaviour on an EDPM (Engin de déplacement personnel motorisé; “Motorised personal transport vehicle”) that can exceed 25kph, can reach up to €1,500.

EDPMs can also include hoverboards, gyropodes or other single-tyre vehicles.”

On Facebook, the police said: “We could laugh, except this simply serves to remind us of the physical consequences of the misuse of these machines.

“Although fun and enjoyable, their use must be in compliance with basic safety rules.”

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