🛴 Can I ride an electric scooter?

With conditions

Quick answer

Yes, but with strict rules since 2026. The e-scooter is a personal mobility vehicle (VMP). Under Law 5/2025 and Royal Decree 52/2026, since 2 January 2026 it requires compulsory insurance, entry in the Light Personal Vehicle Register, an approved helmet and lights. The minimum age is 16, the top speed 25 km/h, and riding on the pavement is banned across Spain. It needs a circulation certificate (scooters bought before 22 January 2024 have a moratorium until 22 January 2027). The alcohol and phone rules apply as to any vehicle.

📋 The rules

Compulsory insurance since 2 January 2026
Entry in the Light Personal Vehicle Register
Approved helmet and lights mandatory
Minimum age 16; top speed 25 km/h
Pavement banned (EUR 200 fine); circulation certificate

🔓 Exceptions

Scooters bought before 22 January 2024: certificate moratorium until 22 January 2027
Town councils can add zone and time restrictions
No riding on pavements, dual carriageways, motorways or urban tunnels

⚠️ Penalties & fines

Riding uninsured brings a fine of EUR 600 to 1,000 and immediate impounding of the scooter. Riding on the pavement is fined EUR 200. Riding a VMP under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or using the phone, is fined as in a car (EUR 500-1,000 for alcohol). Carrying a passenger, exceeding 25 km/h (tampering with the limiter) or running a red light is also fineable.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-06-20

❓ Frequently asked

Is e-scooter insurance mandatory?

Yes. Since 2 January 2026, every VMP on the public road must have third-party insurance. Riding without it brings a fine of EUR 600 to 1,000 and immediate impounding of the scooter.

Is a helmet mandatory?

Yes, under the new rules an approved helmet is mandatory for all e-scooter riders on urban roads, along with lights. It used to depend on each town council; now it's a national requirement.

What age do you need for an e-scooter?

The minimum age is 16 to ride a VMP on the public road. Below that, it's not allowed in the street. The vehicle's top speed is 25 km/h.

Can I ride on the pavement?

No. Riding scooters on the pavement is banned across Spain and fined EUR 200. You must ride on the road or on designated lanes, per your town's rules.

What's the circulation certificate?

It's a document proving the scooter meets the technical requirements (specification manual). Models bought before 22 January 2024 have a moratorium to obtain it until 22 January 2027.

🔎 Common searches

What people search to land here:

“e-scooter insurance mandatory 2026”
“e-scooter helmet mandatory”
“minimum age e-scooter 16”
“e-scooter pavement banned fine”
“dgt e-scooter rules 2026”
“e-scooter 25 km/h”