Until now, the Spanish Traffic Authority (DGT) allowed each municipality to regulate the use of electric scooters independently. This led to significant differences across the country. In some areas, there were no rules at all, allowing children of any age to use e scooters, while nearby towns imposed minimum ages of 14, 15, or even 16.
To address this inconsistency, the DGT has introduced a unified set of rules that will apply across the whole of Spain.
The new regulations will come into force on 1 October 2026.
New rules for personal mobility vehicles
Minimum age is set at 15 years
A protective helmet is mandatory for all riders
A reflective vest must be worn at night or in low visibility conditions
Professionals using these vehicles must wear a reflective vest at all times
Not wearing a helmet or reflective vest will be considered a serious offence and may result in a fine of 200 euros
Lights must always be switched on while the vehicle is in use
Outside urban areas, use may be permitted on routes separated from traffic, such as cycle tracks and designated bicycle lanes
From early 2026, most electric scooters and other personal mobility vehicles in Spain must have compulsory civil liability insurance to ride legally on public roads, under the new Law 5/2025 and related regulations. This insurance is designed to cover personal injury and property damage that riders may cause to third parties, in a similar way to standard car insurance but adapted to scooters and other light vehicles.
The law sets minimum coverage limits equivalent to those for motor vehicles: up to 6,450,000 euros per claim for bodily injury and 1,300,000 euros per claim for material damage. In practice, many insurers offer basic electric scooter policies at relatively low cost, typically around 30 to 60 euros per year depending on the level of cover, vehicle characteristics and optional add-ons. Riding without valid insurance can lead to substantial fines and, in some cases, immobilisation of the scooter by the authorities.
Before taking out insurance, scooters must be registered in the new National Vehicle Register for Personal Mobility Vehicles (VMPs), managed by the DGT. Registration is completed online through the DGT Electronic Headquarters, where owners provide their personal details, scooter make and model, serial number and other technical information, and pay a small administrative fee of 8.67 euros.
Once registration is approved, the owner receives a digital certificate and an official identification label or plate that must be displayed on the scooter, and the vehicle is linked to its compulsory insurance in the national database. Using an electric scooter on public roads without registration and mandatory insurance will not comply with the new legal requirements and may result in fines and loss of protection in the event of an accident.
These changes aim to improve road safety, create consistent rules nationwide, and offer better protection for vulnerable road users.