The personal mobility vehicles will no longer be allowed on services such as the metro networks, buses and ferry services under a new restriction similar to that already implemented in other parts of Spain and Europe.
In a significant development geared towards enhancing the safety of personal mobility, Spain has announced a ban on the sale of non-certified electric scooters, effective from January 1, 2024. This decision follows a recommendation from Spain’s Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) concerning the safety certification of these widely-used personal transportation devices.
Starting January 21, 2024, only certified electric scooters will be permitted for sale in the country, as outlined by the DGT. The implementation of this regulation aims to ensure the safety of riders by enforcing strict safety standards. The move reflects Spain’s commitment to mitigating potential risks associated with non-compliant electric scooters and promoting the use of vehicles that adhere to established safety guidelines.
Notably, these safety regulations extend beyond the purchase and use of electric scooters. Personal mobility vehicles will no longer be allowed on services such as metro networks, buses, and ferry services, aligning with restrictions already in place in other parts of Spain and Europe. This comprehensive ban is temporary and will be maintained until deemed safety risks diminish over time. The Junta has introduced this measure to prioritize passenger safety, particularly after incidents of electric scooter batteries catching fire on public transport in recent months.
It’s important to emphasize that the safety rules will not be retroactively applied to electric scooters already in service before January 21, 2024. Existing electric scooters will be granted a moratorium, allowing them to continue circulating without adherence to the new safety rules until 2027. This grace period provides current electric scooter owners with ample time to adapt to the upcoming changes, ensuring a smooth transition.
The regulatory initiative by the DGT is expected to positively influence the electric scooter market, fostering the development and adoption of safer and more reliable models. As the demand for electric scooters continues to rise globally, Spain’s example may serve as a benchmark for other countries considering similar regulations to guarantee the safe integration of these vehicles into urban landscapes.