Electric scooters have spread through Moroccan cities faster than the rules meant to govern them. Decree 2.25.145, adopted by the Government Council on 9 July 2026 and published in the Bulletin officiel (Official Gazette) of 24 August 2026, fills that gap within the traffic rules of the Highway Code. Its provisions on these vehicles take effect six months after publication, that is around 24 February 2027. Here is what riders, parents and rental operators need to know.
Which vehicles are covered?
The decree regulates “motorised personal mobility vehicles” (VDPM in French). These are vehicles with no seat, designed for one person, powered by a non-combustion motor, with a design speed above 6 km/h and not exceeding 25 km/h. The electric scooter is the typical example. Electric bicycles are also covered by the new provisions, which follow the same timetable. Riders therefore have a few months to equip themselves.
Helmets and earphones
Article 110 requires an approved, fastened helmet for riders and passengers of electric bicycles, bicycles, tricycles, quadricycles and VDPM. The helmet must therefore be properly strapped on, not simply resting on the head or hanging from the handlebar. The obligation also covers passengers of vehicles that carry them, which includes children seated at the back of a bicycle.
Article 9 bans earphones for riders of bicycles, mopeds, motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles, motorised or not, with exceptions for service needs. In practice, keeping both ears free in town remains a basic precaution whatever the vehicle, because awareness of traffic underpins the safety of the rider and of pedestrians.
Speed, where to ride, equipment
Speed is capped at 25 km/h. Outside built-up areas, VDPM may only be ridden where cycle lanes exist. Being towed or pushed by another vehicle is forbidden. The very definition of a VDPM is a vehicle for a single person. As for equipment, the decree requires:
- a white front light;
- a rear light;
- reflectors;
- a horn.
What was dropped
A ban on use by children under 8 had been announced in July 2026. It does not appear in the decree published in the Official Gazette and should not be presented as an applicable rule. That does not mean parents should drop their guard: under the general rules of civil liability, damage caused by a minor can engage the responsibility of those who have custody of the child.
After an accident: civil liability
The decree sets traffic rules; it does not change the principles of civil liability. A rider who causes damage to a pedestrian, another road user or property must make it good. Compliance with the new obligations (helmet, speed, equipment) may weigh in the assessment of fault and in how liability is shared if there is a dispute.
Our advice: check whether your insurance policy (third-party liability, home insurance) covers the use of an electric scooter. Rental and shared-scooter operators should review their terms and conditions, the condition of their vehicles (lights, reflectors, horn) and the information given to customers before February 2027.
Sources
- Médias24, 8 September 2026: « Trottinettes électriques, casque, vitesse : les nouvelles règles entrent en vigueur dans six mois »
- Bulletin officiel, 24 August 2026: decree no. 2.25.145
Maître Mouad Lahfaia
Lawyer at the Rabat Bar
This article reflects the author's views as at the date of publication. It does not constitute legal advice and is no substitute for an analysis of your particular situation.