Scooter safety in Spain is undergoing an overhaul as the country introduces its first nationwide rules for electric scooters. The new regulations will set a minimum riding age of 15 and make helmets compulsory for all users.
The reforms will replace the current patchwork of local rules with a single set of regulations that applies across the country.
Scooter safety: One set of rules for everyone in Spain
At present, town and city councils can decide issues such as helmet use and the minimum age for riders. The new legislation will transfer those powers to the national level.
The government says the changes form part of a wider road safety strategy as electric scooters become more common in towns and cities.
Minimum age limit and compulsory helmets
Under the new rules, riders must be at least 15 years old to use an electric scooter on public roads anywhere in Spain.
Helmets will also become compulsory nationwide, regardless of where the scooter is used.
Officials hope the measures will reduce serious head injuries while giving riders and police a clearer set of rules.
Insurance and tougher safety standards for scooter users
The government also plans to introduce compulsory third-party liability insurance for scooter users. Officials are still finalising the details of the scheme.
At the same time, Spain will only allow the sale and use of scooters that meet the country’s official technical certification standards. The move aims to improve safety and ensure all approved models meet the required specifications.
Where can electric scooters be used?
The reforms keep the existing restrictions on where scooters can travel.
Riders will still be banned from motorways, dual carriageways, interurban roads and pavements. Instead, they must use authorised urban roads and cycle lanes where available.
The maximum speed limit will also stay the same at 25km/h.
Response to rising accident numbers
The government has introduced the new legislation after a steady rise in accidents involving personal mobility vehicles in recent years.
Ministers hope the nationwide rules will improve safety, reduce confusion and create a consistent legal framework for electric scooter users across Spain.
