new traffic rules spain scooters cyclists motorcyclists

New traffic rules: electric scooters, cyclists and motorcyclists

New traffic rules for electric scooters, cyclists and motorcyclists approved in Spain

The Spanish government approved a reform of the General Traffic Regulations on Tuesday, introducing new obligations for cyclists, electric scooter users, motorcyclists and drivers. The aim is to protect the most vulnerable road users and adapt the rules to the new forms of mobility that have grown in prominence in recent years.

Electric scooters: minimum age of 15 and compulsory helmet

One of the main changes directly affects Personal Mobility Vehicles (PMVs), such as electric scooters. The new regulations set a minimum age of 15 to use them. Users must also wear a helmet at all times and ride with their lights on. When visibility is poor or when riding a PMV at night, users must wear reflective elements such as high-visibility vests. Failing to comply with these requirements is considered a serious offence and carries a fine of 200 euros.

“Personal Mobility Vehicles (PMVs) are vehicles with one or more wheels, designed for a single occupant and powered exclusively by electric motors that provide a maximum speed of between 6 and 25 km/h. To be allowed on the road, PMVs must have a registration certificate in the Register of Light Personal Vehicles and display the corresponding identification label,” explains the DGT (Directorate General of Traffic). It also reminds users that these vehicles are not permitted on pavements, pedestrian areas, through roads, motorways, dual carriageways, interurban roads or in tunnels. The DGT also stresses that it is compulsory to register the vehicle in the National Vehicle Register of the DGT, otherwise users will face financial penalties.

New measures to protect cyclists

Cyclists are among the most vulnerable road users and the reform includes improvements to enhance their road safety and reduce accidents. One change is that drivers overtaking a bicycle on the road must reduce their speed by at least 20 km/h compared to the speed limit on that road. In cities, cyclists will be allowed to ride in the centre of the lane to increase their visibility and safety. Motor vehicles must also maintain a minimum distance of five metres from any bicycles ahead.

Those who use bicycles for work are required to wear a helmet and a reflective high-visibility vest. If a delivery rider fails to comply with the regulations, they will be fined 200 euros.

Motorcycles and mopeds: gloves, closed shoes and hard shoulder use

Motorcycles and mopeds must also adapt to several changes. The new regulations require the use of protective gloves for riders and passengers on interurban roads and demand closed footwear on all types of roads. Riding without these items can result in a 200-euro fine. Another change is that motorcycles will be allowed to ride on the right-hand hard shoulder when traffic is congested and signage permits, but without exceeding 30 km/h. In addition, helmets used must be approved, although this requirement will not come into force until October next year.

Phased implementation from October 2026

Many of these modifications to the General Traffic Regulations will not start to apply until 1 October this year. However, some measures, such as the requirement for certain lighting systems on scooters or the use of specific approved helmets for motorcyclists, will not come into force until 1 October 2027. With this reform, the DGT aims to bring traffic rules into line with the new reality of mobility and strengthen the safety of the most vulnerable road users.

Source

Scroll to Top