New regulations for electric scooters in Spain: what you need to know in 2025

Electric scooters have become an integral part of Spain's urban landscape - fast, comfortable and environmentally friendly. However, their use is subject to increasingly detailed regulations. New national regulations went into effect in 2025, and some cities - including Barcelona, Alicante and Torrevieja - have tightened their own rules. Find out what the penalty is for riding on the sidewalk and why a scooter without a certificate can be stopped by police.

What is a scooter according to the law?

Spain's Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) defines an electric scooter as a one-person vehicle powered solely by electricity, reaching speeds of 6 to 25 km/h. The official category is VMP - Vehículo de Movilidad Personal (personal mobility vehicle).

Applicable national regulations (DGT)

Starting in January 2024, all electric scooters sold in Spain must have a DGT approval certificate. Models bought earlier can be used until January 2027 - after that date only scooters with the certificate will be legal on public roads.

Key principles:

• Prohibit driving on sidewalks, pedestrian zones, highways, tunnels and expressways.
• Permitted routes: urban roadways with a speed limit of 30 km/h and designated bike lanes.
• Maximum speed: 25 km/h.
• Helmet: increasingly mandatory - although nationwide not yet for everyone, many cities (e.g. Barcelona) already require it. DGT plans to make it mandatory in all cities.
• Minimum age: 16 (often introduced by local regulations).
• Mandatory equipment: lights, bell, front and rear brakes, battery indicator, reflectors and approval markings (serial number, manufacturer, year, top speed).
• Ban driving with a passenger, phone in hand and headphones.

DGT announces that mandatory liability insurance for scooter owners may also come into effect from January 2026.

Local regulations: every city, every rule

Barcelona - full rigor and high fines

From February 1, 2025, Barcelona has introduced some of the strictest regulations in the country:

• As of February 1, 2025, Barcelona has introduced some of the strictest regulations in the country:

Driving ban:

• on sidewalks and pedestrian areas,
• on streets with a speed limit of 50 km/h (i.e., most major urban arteries),
• in tunnels and pedestrian passages.

**Mandatory equipment: lights, bell, reflectors - users must be highly visible, especially after dark

Mandates:

• €100 for not wearing a helmet,
• up to €500 for driving in an unauthorized place or with a passenger.

The city is intensifying inspections especially in tourist areas and downtown.

Alicante - scooter police offensive

In the spring of 2025, local police conducted an intensive inspection campaign - more than 300 fines in two weeks.

Prohibition of driving on: sidewalks, promenades, beaches (Postiguet, Urbanova), pedestrian zones, busways, streetcar platforms, carril-bici paths.

• The fines range up to 500 euros.

Permitted speeds:

• 25 km/h on the roadway,
• 20 km/h on bicycle paths,
• 10 km/h on dirt walking trails.

Helmet required locally, even if national regulations do not impose it.

IN TRAM: only 2 scooters per streetcar, must be folded, only in the last carriage.

Torrevieja - education and control

The city focuses on prevention and education, but also enforces local regulations:

• Minimum age: 16 (or younger with AM category).
• Ban driving on sidewalks, in parks, pedestrian areas.
• Prohibition of phone and headphone use while driving.
• Helmet and liability insurance are strongly recommended.
• Fines from €80 to €200 - for lack of lights, carrying a passenger, driving on the sidewalk, among other things.

The city is conducting information campaigns in schools and the media.

Summary: what do you need to keep in mind?

Practical tips

1. Make sure your scooter has a DGT certificate - you won't be able to use it legally after 2027 without one.
2. Wear a helmet - even if it is not mandatory everywhere, it increases your safety.
3. Avoid driving on sidewalks and pedestrian zones - the most common reason for fines.
4. Equip yourself with lights, a bell, reflectors and working brakes.
5. Always check local regulations - they can vary from city to city.

What's next?

The Ministry of Transportation is considering further obligations, including registration of scooters, license plates and full OC liability. If you ride a scooter regularly - watch for changes and adjust in time.