The Moroccan government has rolled out sweeping changes to enhance public safety, approving two pivotal decrees in a single session. One modernizes the national passport system while the other establishes strict guidelines for electric scooters to regulate the booming micro-mobility sector.

The first decree, tabled by Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit, updates the 2008 framework governing biometric passports. The overhaul introduces next-generation documents equipped with advanced anti-fraud features designed to safeguard identity and prevent counterfeiting. According to government spokesperson Mustapha Baitas, the upgraded passports will also reflect the full spectrum of Moroccan heritage.

A joint ministerial order from the Interior and Foreign Affairs ministries will outline the issuance process. Existing biometric passports will remain valid until phased out, ensuring a smooth transition for travelers and officials alike.

New electric scooter regulations take effect immediately

The second decree reshapes the Highway Code to incorporate personal electric mobility devices, with immediate implications for riders. Key provisions include:

• Speed limit set at 25 km/h to mitigate collision risks in urban areas
• Mandatory helmet use for all riders, enforced through police checks
• Ban on headphones to ensure full environmental awareness during rides
• Age restriction – children under eight prohibited from operating scooters on public roads
• Child safety seats required for transporting young passengers

Balancing innovation with urban safety

Government officials frame this regulatory shift as essential to managing Morocco’s rapid urbanization and the surge in alternative transport options. The reforms aim to curb reckless behavior while fostering sustainable mobility solutions in cities nationwide. Authorities anticipate these measures will significantly reduce road accidents linked to improper scooter use.