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Date Published: 29/10/2025

Electric scooters in Spain: New insurance rules and essential safety regulations

Insure Spain offers flexible cover and expert guidance for expats living in Spain

Electric scooters have transformed the way we get around in Spain, offering a convenient and eco-friendly way to navigate busy streets. But with their popularity has come increased scrutiny and significant regulatory changes have become necessary to ensure the safety of all road users.

From January 2, 2026, all electric scooters in Spain will be required to have civil liability insurance, marking a major shift in how these vehicles are regulated. Whether you're a long-term expat or new to Spain, understanding the rules is essential to stay safe, legal and protected. Here's everything you need to know about riding electric scooters in Spain.

In Spain, electric scooters (e-scooters) are regulated by specific rules that vary slightly between regions, but there are national guidelines that apply across the country. Here's an overview of the general laws for using electric scooters in Spain:

Age requirement

You must be 16 years or older to use an electric scooter. If you're under 18, you may need parental consent, and some regions may have stricter age limits or additional requirements for younger riders.

Speed limits

The maximum speed allowed for electric scooters is 25 km/h (15.5 mph). If the scooter exceeds this speed, it is classified as a different type of vehicle (like a moped) and subject to more regulations.

Where you can ride

Bike lanes: E-scooters are allowed to be ridden on bike lanes where available. If there's no bike lane, they should be ridden on the road.

Pedestrian zones: Electric scooters are not allowed on footpaths or pedestrian zones, unless specifically permitted by local authorities. In some places, they might be restricted to certain hours.

Helmets and safety gear

Wearing a helmet is not mandatory for all riders, but it is strongly recommended. However, in certain regions or cities, helmets might be required for riders under 18 or when riding in specific areas.

Parking rules

Scooters must be parked in designated areas and blocking pedestrian pathways or entrances is prohibited. This includes e-scooter-sharing systems; users should always park them properly.

Alcohol and drugs

Riding an e-scooter under the influence of alcohol or drugs is prohibited, with penalties similar to those for drunk driving. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.5 grams per litre of blood, which is stricter for drivers of motor vehicles but still applies to e-scooter riders.

Insurance and registration

Important Update: The law requiring civil liability insurance for all electric scooters was published in July 2025, with a six-month grace period. From January 2, 2026, it becomes compulsory for all e-scooter riders to have insurance. Fines for riding without insurance after this date could reach up to €1,000.

Registration is not necessary unless the scooter exceeds certain power or speed thresholds.

Traffic rules and road use

Riders must follow all traffic signs and signals. This includes stopping at traffic lights, yielding to pedestrians and adhering to other standard road laws.

Using a phone while riding is prohibited.

Restrictions for electric scooters (shared rentals)

In some Spanish cities, shared e-scooters have additional restrictions, such as limited riding zones or geofencing that forces scooters to slow down in certain areas (e.g., pedestrian-heavy zones or historical centres).

Local variations

Cities like Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia may have specific additional regulations. For example, in Madrid, scooters must be ridden on roads with a maximum speed limit of 30 km/h or less. In Barcelona, scooters are banned from large sections of the city's main tourist areas to avoid crowding and accidents.

Fines and penalties

If you violate any of these rules, you could face fines. For example, riding on footpaths, not wearing a helmet where required or ignoring traffic rules can result in fines ranging from €100 to €500 or more.

Make sure to check local regulations because some cities have additional rules that might vary.

If you own an electric scooter in Spain, now is the time to start thinking about arranging your insurance cover. With the new mandatory insurance law coming into effect on January 2, don't risk facing fines of up to €1,000 for riding uninsured.

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