Fatal scooter accident in Toulon

A 12-year-old boy died in Toulon, France, after colliding with a pole on a sidewalk near a secondary school. The incident occurred as he was riding an electric scooter without a helmet and attempted to overtake a bus carrying his classmates.

No contact with the bus

Surveillance footage showed that the scooter did not make contact with the bus, and the bus did not perform any maneuvers that could have caused the accident. The bus driver tested negative for alcohol and drugs, according to the prosecutor.

Rising death toll from scooter accidents

In 2025, 79 people died while riding electric scooters in France, a significant increase from 45 the previous year. The National Interministerial Observatory for Road Safety reported this rise, highlighting growing concerns about scooter safety.

Increase in serious injuries

The number of serious injuries from electric scooter accidents also rose sharply, increasing by 33% in one year. Approximately 1,100 users suffered serious injuries on French roads last year, according to the same report.

Mandatory safety measures being introduced

Several French departments, including Seine-et-Marne and the Alpes-Maritimes, have already required riders to wear helmets and reflective vests. These measures are also in place in the Paris metropolitan area. National authorities are now working to standardize these safety rules across the country.