Countdown to Compliance: 21 Days until New Electric Scooter Regulations
As the countdown begins, we find ourselves just 21 days away from significant changes regarding electric scooter usage in Spain. On January 2, 2026, new regulations mandated by the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) will take effect, requiring all electric scooter users to comply with three critical obligations.
Key Obligations for Electric Scooter Owners
The new regulations come as part of a broader effort to improve safety and accountability for personal mobility vehicles. Here’s what every scooter owner needs to know:
- Owner’s Liability Insurance: All electric scooter riders must secure civil liability insurance to cover potential damages caused during accidents—whether they are at fault or not.
- Electric Scooter Registration: Each scooter must be registered, ensuring that essential details are traceable and accountable.
- Electric Scooter Certification: Scooters must have certification proving they meet safety standards, particularly for those purchased new since 2024.
The roots of this legislation date back to a 2024 decision to comply with Directive 2021/2118, and many users have had ample time to prepare. Some municipalities, like Córdoba, have already been enforcing similar regulations since 2023.
Understanding the Procedures
For most users, the primary hurdle will be obtaining the required liability insurance. This insurance serves as a safeguard against accidents, covering damages inflicted by the scooter rider or on them by others. Additionally, the registration process and certification must be undertaken, particularly for scooters sold after 2024. From 2027 onward, older models will also need certification.
The Registration Process
The registration involves adding a distinctive license plate that displays critical information about the scooter. This requirement applies from 2024 onwards. If your scooter lacks a plate or certification, you’ll need to undergo testing at one of the four authorized laboratories, with only one located in Spain, IDIADA.
What Gets Certified?
Electric scooters fall under the category of personal mobility vehicles, subject to specific criteria:
- Maximum speed of 25 km/h
- Maximum weight of 50 kg
- Maximum power limits of 1,000 W without a self-balancing system or 2,500 W with a self-balancing system
- Maximum handlebar height of 70 cm
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failing to adhere to these new regulations could result in hefty fines ranging from €200 to €1,000. The penalties are structured as a fraction of those imposed on cars without insurance—specifically, a third of the fines that apply to motor vehicles, which can range between €600 and €3,000 based on the severity of the offense.
As the deadline approaches, it’s prudent for electric scooter users to act now. Completing all necessary paperwork and securing insurance will help avoid penalties and ensure compliance with these new laws.
With only 21 days until enforcement begins, make sure you’re ready to comply. Don’t wait for the last minute rush like we’ve seen before—get ahead and ensure your electric scooter is fully documented, registered, and insured.