Story By: Ernest Bio Bogore, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency:  Newsflash

Newsflash/@zaherinho

People who use tuned-up electric scooters to go faster on the streets of France now face one year in prison and a whopping 30,000-EUR fine.

French authorities recently introduced harsh penalties for daredevil scooter and e-bike riders who exceed the 25 kph (16 mph) speed limit set down by law.

The tough new rules also apply to people who modify the vehicles so they can exceed the speed limit, according to article L317-1 of the French Highway Code, where “modifying the speed limitation device to allow the vehicle to exceed the maximum authorised speed is punishable by one year in prison and fine of 30,000 EUR”.

Offenders for using or modifying tuned up scooters and bikes will face a 30,000-EUR (26,615-GBP) fine as well as one year in prison. Their vehicle will also be seized if it is confirmed it has not been brought into line with the new directives, according to reports.

Offenders could also see their driving licence revoked for three years.

Meanwhile, manufacturers of tuning kits could also face a 30,000-EUR fine and up to two years in prison under the new laws.

Last year, a French motorist posted a viral video of a man on an electric scooter whizzing along the motorway at speeds of up to 85 kph (53 mph).

In the footage, viewed by 1.2 million Twitter users, the scooter rider is seen speeding along the inside lane of a busy motorway.

The driver pans to his speedometer and the scooter rider, who is not wearing a safety helmet, appears to be riding at a speed of 85kph.

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