From 2 January 2026, electric scooters in Spain will no longer be allowed to circulate without being identified, registered and insured.
This marks the end of years of legal grey area in which personal mobility vehicles operated without formal documentation. From that date, using an electric scooter without meeting the new requirements will be illegal and subject to financial penalties.
Electric Scooters in Spain: New rules
José Carlos Cutiño, OCU delegate in Andalusia, says the regulation seeks to improve pedestrian safety. He explains that scooters cannot be insured or legally used without registration, making registration a mandatory step before arranging any insurance policy.
The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) will classify electric scooters as light personal vehicles. Owners must register each scooter and display a visible identification number, similar to a number plate. They must also obtain a circulation certificate confirming that the scooter meets technical standards.
Civil liability insurance will be mandatory. Policies must cover personal injury and material damage at the legally required levels. Authorities will prohibit uninsured scooters from public roads and may impose fines on owners who fail to comply.
What happens if you do not comply?
Riding a scooter without registration, visible identification, or insurance will result in sanctions and a ban from public roads. If an accident occurs without valid insurance, the owner must personally cover all compensation claims.
To comply with the rules, riders must complete three mandatory steps: register the scooter with the DGT, obtain an identification number, and take out the required insurance. Riders who already hold insurance should verify that their policy meets the new minimum requirements, as non-compliant coverage will no longer apply.
Why is the regulation being introduced now?
Cities have seen a sharp increase in scooter use, along with a rise in incidents involving pedestrians. These trends have prompted lawmakers to introduce a stricter legal framework. The new rules aim to reduce accidents, close legal loopholes, and ensure that victims receive proper compensation when incidents occur.
