Riding along the streets of Casablanca or Marrakech on an electric scooter is the trend of the moment. These two-wheeled machines are invading the urban landscape, and numerous brands have opened sales outlets all over the Kingdom.
A symbol of a fast-growing mode of transport, their presence nevertheless raises a major problem: the absence of clear legislation governing the use of these new means of transport, which are proliferating much faster than the laws that are supposed to govern them.
To date, Morocco still lacks a clear legal framework regulating the use of electric scooters. Last February, however, a draft law amending and supplementing law no. 52.05 on the Highway Code was put out to public consultation by the General Secretariat of the Government (SGG).
The bill provides for the creation of a category dedicated to “motorized personal mobility vehicles”, giving legal recognition to these scooters, long perceived as mere gadgets.
The bill aims in particular to set a maximum speed limit, require the wearing of helmets and protective equipment, and prohibit the transport of passengers and the use of telephones on the road. These are common-sense rules, but at the time of going to press, they are still not compulsory due to the lack of legislation in force.
The legislation also includes coercive measures. These include the impounding of scooters exceeding the 60 km/h speed limit.
The aim is to ensure better cohabitation on the road and greater safety for all. But until this law is passed, there is still a grey area surrounding the liability of drivers in the event of an accident.
Insurance, poor road conditions...
Another aspect holding back the development of this mode of urban transport is insurance. According to Aziz Benslimane, founder of Hoplamob, a company specializing in the sale of electric vehicles, insurers don’t know how to categorize these scooters, which leads to problems with the authorities, particularly the police.
Beyond regulations and insurance, other difficulties arise. One of the major obstacles is the poor condition of many roadways. Potholes, uneven or poorly maintained roads are a real danger for these small-wheeled vehicles, which can easily get stuck and cause serious falls.
Added to this is a lack of awareness among other road users: scooters are often equated with bicycles, even though they can reach much higher speeds, creating situations of confusion and even danger.
G.B.
