Electronic shisha pen

What is an electronic shisha pen

An electronic shisha pen is a small-format personal vaporiser. Unlike a traditional hookah, it contains no charcoal, no shisha tobacco and no water: a coil heats an e-liquid (propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, flavourings and, where applicable, nicotine) to produce a vapour inhaled by the user. The name "shisha pen" refers to the format of the device and to the family of flavours offered, which take up the usual taste profiles of shisha tobacco: fruit, mint, fruit-mint combinations and dessert notes.

How it works and components

Rechargeable battery

The shisha pens listed in this category have an integrated lithium-ion battery, rechargeable via a USB-C port. The battery capacity, expressed in mAh, and the number of puffs stated by the manufacturer are given on each product page. Since French Law no. 2025-153 of 25 February 2025, single-use electronic vaping devices (non-rechargeable disposable puffs) can no longer be sold in France; only rechargeable models are offered.

Tank, cartridge or pod

Depending on the model, the e-liquid is held in a tank refillable by the user, in a replaceable pre-filled cartridge, or in a pod. In every case, capacity is limited to 2 ml for a nicotine-containing e-liquid, in accordance with the European Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) as transposed into French law. Refills come in bottles of 10 ml maximum when they contain nicotine.

Coil and draw

The coil, usually mesh or kanthal wire, is built into the cartridge or pod. Most shisha pens work in mouth-to-lung (MTL) inhalation, with a tight draw close to that of a classic shisha. Activation is most often automatic on inhalation, with no button. The amount of vapour produced depends on the PG/VG ratio of the e-liquid and the power of the device; these values are given on each product page.

Nicotine and compatible e-liquids

E-liquids intended for shisha pens are generally formulated with nicotine salts, at strengths of 0, 10 or 20 mg/ml, 20 mg/ml being the maximum strength permitted in France. Nicotine-free versions (0 mg/ml) exist for most flavours. The base is most often a 50/50 PG/VG ratio, suited to low-power coils. For models with a refillable tank, the shisha-flavour e-liquids in 10 ml bottles are compatible; models with a pre-filled cartridge only accept cartridges of the same brand and model.

Use and care

Before using a new pod or cartridge for the first time, let the coil soak up liquid for a few minutes (priming). Charge the battery with a standard USB-C cable; a full cycle usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes depending on capacity. Replace the cartridge or pod when the taste becomes altered or the vapour decreases. Keep the device and e-liquids away from heat and out of reach of children. At end of life, the device falls under the waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) stream: it should be taken to a dedicated collection point and not put in household waste.

Shisha pen and hookah: technical differences

A traditional hookah heats shisha tobacco (or a tobacco-free preparation) with charcoal and filters the smoke through a water base. A shisha pen involves no combustion: it vaporises a liquid. The two categories fall under separate regulations. The shisha pen is a vaping product within the meaning of Article L.3513-1 of the French Public Health Code, subject to the ban on sales to minors, the ban on advertising and the TPD rules on capacities and nicotine strengths.

Technical characteristics of the category

FAQ

Does a shisha pen contain nicotine?

It depends on the e-liquid or cartridge used: strengths range from 0 mg/ml (nicotine-free) to 20 mg/ml, the maximum permitted in France. The strength is stated on each product page and on the packaging.

How many puffs does a shisha pen give?

The number of puffs depends on the capacity of the cartridge (2 ml maximum) and on the coil. It is stated by the manufacturer on each product page; a 2 ml cartridge generally corresponds to somewhere in the region of 500 to 800 puffs.

Can you still buy a disposable shisha pen in France?

No. Single-use vaping devices have been banned from sale in France since the law of 25 February 2025. All the shisha pens offered are rechargeable.

Which e-liquid should you use in a rechargeable shisha pen?

An e-liquid in a 10 ml bottle, preferably with a 50/50 PG/VG base and nicotine salts, compatible with low-power coils. Models with a pre-filled cartridge cannot be refilled manually.

How do you recycle a used shisha pen?

The device contains a lithium-ion battery: it should be taken to a WEEE collection point (shop, recycling centre) and not put in an ordinary bin. Empty cartridges follow the same stream if they contain a coil.