Spain is preparing a big shake-up for electric scooter riders in 2026. From 2 January, new national rules will change how people insure, register and ride their scooters in towns and cities across the country. The goal is to cut accident numbers and make daily trips safer for both riders and pedestrians.
Right now, many users still treat scooters like toys, and some ride without helmets or lights. Soon that casual style will bring fines, so owners have a bit of homework to do before the new year of 2026 arrives.
This news article sets out the main points in clear terms. It explains which scooters fall under the law, what gear riders will need, and what owners should prepare before the rules take effect.
New rules from 2 January 2026
From 2 January 2026, civil liability insurance becomes mandatory for almost every electric scooter on Spanish public roads. The policy must cover damage that a rider causes to other people or to property during a trip. So a crash that injures a pedestrian or scratches a parked car will no longer fall only on the rider’s savings.
At the same time, a national registry for light personal vehicles will start to operate. Owners will have to register each scooter, link it to their name and ID, and place a visible code on the frame or on a small plate. Then police will be able to identify the scooter and check its status during roadside controls.
Riders who ignore the insurance rule can face a fine and may see their scooter taken to the pound in serious cases. The same risk appears for scooters that stay off the registry once the system is in place.
Which scooters are covered
The law focuses on what Spain calls “vehículos de movilidad personal”, often shortened to VMP. In simple terms, this label covers most stand-up electric scooters that people use in cities every day.
A typical VMP.
- Has one or more electric motors.
- Carries only one person.
- Travels between 6 km/h and 25 km/h.
If your scooter fits this range and you use public streets, cycle lanes or shared paths, the new rules apply to you. Some electric unicycles and similar devices may fall in the same group, as long as they stay within the same speed limits and carry just one rider.
Rental scooters sit in a slightly different position. In that case, the rental company holds the insurance policy and handles registration, yet the person on the scooter still must follow traffic rules and can still receive fines for unsafe behaviour.
Key safety rules riders will need to follow
The legal duties for scooter riders will not start from zero. Many cities already have local rules, and some riders already follow them. The 2026 package pulls these ideas together and makes them clearer across the country.
Main safety rules.
- Helmet use
An approved helmet will become compulsory for every trip, no matter how short or casual. So quick rides to the shop or around the block will need the same basic gear as longer commutes. - Lights and visibility
Scooters will have to use front and rear lights at night and in low light. Reflectors or reflective clothing must stay visible from a fair distance, so drivers and other riders can spot the scooter early. - Speed limits
The maximum legal speed for a VMP stays at 25 km/h. On streets with a lower limit, the scooter must respect that lower figure, even if the motor can push faster on a straight line. - Where you can ride
Pavements will remain off limits for scooters in almost every case. Instead, riders will have to use cycle lanes or streets with a 30 km/h limit, according to the signs in each area. Fast urban ring roads and car-pool lanes will stay closed to these vehicles. - One rider only
Each scooter is built for one person. So riding with a friend, partner or child on the same deck will count as an offence and can lead to a fine. - Phones, headphones, alcohol and drugs
Police will keep a strict line on distraction and impairment. Riders will not be allowed to hold a mobile phone while the scooter moves, and headphones or earphones will stay banned as well. Alcohol and drug limits will match the rules that already apply to other drivers.
On top of that, many city councils already run their own fine systems for scooter misuse, often in the range of 100 to 500 euro. So the national rules will not replace local rules, they will sit beside them and set a common base for the whole country.
Older scooters and technical approval
Along with legal duties on riders, Spain has introduced a technical rulebook for VMP. This manual sets standards for brakes, lighting, speed control, warning sounds and other safety details. Now any new scooter model on sale must pass that checklist.
Scooters sold from 22 January 2024 already follow that standard and leave the factory with a VMP certificate and a small plate or label on the frame. Older scooters sit in a transition period. They can keep using public roads until 22 January 2027, as long as they still meet basic safety rules for brakes and lights.
After that date, only scooters with a valid VMP certificate will remain legal on public roads. So owners who keep an older model for years will need to confirm its status long before that final deadline.
For many families, this means two separate dates to remember. The first is 2 January 2026 for insurance and registration. The second is 22 January 2027 for full technical approval.
How riders can prepare now
The new rules still sit a little way off, yet many riders have already started to prepare. Simple steps taken now can make life easier once 2026 arrives.
- Confirm that the scooter counts as a VMP
Owners should check the maker label or user manual and write down the rated top speed. If it falls between 6 and 25 km/h and carries just one person, it almost certainly sits in the VMP group. - Keep or request the VMP certificate
Those who bought a new scooter in 2024 or later should file the certificate and plate details in a safe place at home. Owners of older scooters can contact the brand or an authorised service point and ask if the model can gain a certificate before 2027. - Arrange civil liability insurance
Now is a good time to speak with insurers about policies that cover electric scooters or other light personal vehicles. Riders can compare basic third-party cover with plans that add theft protection or personal injury cover, then pick a price that fits their budget. - Prepare for registration
The national registry will need basic data such as the make, model, serial number and owner details. So it helps to gather invoices and manuals in one folder, ready for the moment the system opens. - Upgrade safety gear and habits
Many riders still use cheap helmets or old lights that do not work very well. Swapping to a proper helmet, a reflective vest and reliable front and rear lights will make trips safer and reduce the risk of fines. On top of that, riders can set a personal rule. No phone use and no headphones while the scooter moves. - Check local rules
Each city or town can add its own details on parking zones, shared scooter fleets or restricted streets. So it is worth reading the latest notices on the council website or on local news sites.
The new electric scooter laws Spain 2026 package marks a big shift for short urban trips. For some people it may feel strict at first, yet the aim is to cut accidents and give scooters a clear, stable place in everyday traffic. Riders who understand the changes, sort out insurance, register their vehicles and invest in basic safety gear will start 2026 with more peace of mind and fewer surprises on the road.