Are electric scooters legal in Spain?
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Time to read: 3 min
Electric scooters, classified as Personal Mobility Vehicles (PMVs), are legal in Spain, but their use is subject to specific regulations to ensure safety on the roads.
The Spanish government, through the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT), has established clear guidelines that all electric scooter users must follow, including the mandatory use of helmets and adherence to traffic laws.
ℹ️I'm an owner of an electric scooter (Mi) and have lived in Spain for five years. In this article, I'll share some important info if you're interested in buying or renting an electric scooter in Spain.
I'll also answer some common questions, such as how to legally increase your speed above 25km/h, what the law says about drinking and whether you need insurance for an electric scooter in Spain. Let's dive in!
What is a PMV (Personal Mobility Vehicle) or electric scooter according to Spanish law?
According to Spanish law, a Personal Mobility Vehicle (PMV), including electric scooters, is defined as a vehicle with one or more wheels, equipped with a single seat and propelled exclusively by electric motors.
These vehicles are designed to operate at a maximum speed of between 6 and 25 km/h. PMVs do not include vehicles intended for persons with reduced mobility.
The law stipulates that these vehicles can only have a seat or saddle if they have a self-balancing system. In addition, in order to operate legally on public roads, PMVs must comply with specific technical requirements established by the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) and, after a certain period of time, must carry a certificate of circulation to ensure that they comply with minimum safety standards.
Important: PMV's sold before 21 January 2024 may circulate until 22 January 2027 even if they do not have a certificate. After that date, only PMV's with a certificate may circulate.
How to use an electric scooter in Spain?
Using an electric scooter in Spain is a convenient and environmentally friendly way to get around, but it's important to follow the rules to ensure your safety and compliance with the law.
Classified as Personal Mobility Vehicles (PMVs), electric scooters must comply with specific rules regarding where and how they can be used.
Car drivers in Spain are relatively friendly and open as they are used to mopeds and motorbikes! They are just not happy if you are driving too slowly or in the middle of the road.
The 9 most important requirements for the use of an electric scooter in Spain are as follows
- Speed limit: The maximum speed allowed is 25 km/h. Scooters capable of exceeding this speed are subject to additional regulations.
- Helmet: Wearing a helmet is strongly recommended and may be mandatory in some areas.
- Road use: Scooters can be used on cycle paths and certain urban roads, but are prohibited on pavements, motorways and tunnels in urban areas.
- Reflective clothing: Use high-visibility clothing, especially at night, and make sure your scooter has lights.
- No passengers: Only one person is allowed per scooter and passengers are not permitted.
- No alcohol or drugs: It is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Insurance: Although not always compulsory, insurance may be required in some municipalities, so check local regulations.
- Pedestrian crossings: Dismount and walk the scooter across pedestrian crossings.
- Registration: Scooters purchased after January 2022 must have a registration certificate; older models can be used without a certificate until January 2027.
Following these guidelines will help ensure a safe and legal ride on your electric scooter in Spain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need insurance to ride an electric scooter in Spain?
Insurance is not mandatory in all areas of Spain, but recommended for electric scooters. Some cities may require it, so check local regulations.
Is it legal to drive an electric scooter after drinking alcohol in Spain?
Drivers of electric scooters are subject to the same alcohol limits as set out in the Road Traffic Act, as well as the ban on driving under the influence of drugs. (In Spain, the legal alcohol limit is 0.5 grams per litre of blood or 0.25 milligrams per litre of exhaled air.)
What happens if my electric scooter goes faster than 25 km/h in Spain?
If your electric scooter goes over 25 km/h in Spain, it is no longer a PMV. This means it may need to be registered and insured, and you may need a driving licence and helmet. Failing to comply can result in fines.
What are the electric push scooters called in Spain?
In Spanish, a push scooter is called a Patinete or plural: Patinetes, electric scooters are called Patinetes Eléctricos.
If you found this article useful, please share it☝️ with your friends who are going to Spain and want to use electric scooters. Here you can buy them in some supermarkets or just rent them for a few hours!
Best,
Izi
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