Have you ever thought about zipping around town on a PMV, but don’t know the scooter laws in Spain?
With European Mobility Week about to kick off, it’s the perfect time to talk about the scooter laws in Spain because ignoring them could cost you set you back a small fortune in fines.
In Spain, electric scooters and other Personal Mobility Vehicles (PMVs) are officially classed as vehicles. They are powered only by electric motors, usually have just one seat, and can travel between 6 and 25 km/h. They are not exactly Formula 1 material, but fast enough to cause trouble!
Where can I ride my scooter in Spain?
The first thing to know is where you’re not allowed to ride them.
Scooters are banned from pavements, pedestrian zones, zebra crossings, dual carriageways, interurban roads, and tunnels. Stick to roads inside towns and cities, though each local Town Hall does have its own local rules.
Speed is capped at 25 km/h.
The vehicles themselves have to meet certain safety standards. The traffic authority (DGT) has even written a manual about it. In the near future, every scooter will need an official certificate to prove it meets the rules.
At the very least, your scooter should have working brakes, a bell, lights at the front and back, and some reflective bits.
A helmet isn’t always compulsory, but wearing one is recommended.
Depending on your Town Hall, insurance may be needed.
Penalties and fines
As for behaviour on the road, the penalties can sting. Ride drunk and you are looking at fines from €500 up to €1,000, plus your scooter being impounded. Drugs? Straight to €1,000. Use your phone while scooting and it’s another €200. Headphones, no lights at night, or ignoring helmet rules where they apply? Yet another €200.
Scooter laws in Spain. Image: DGT.
