The Spanish authorities are changing the rules for the use of electric scooters and other personal mobility vehicles (VMP - Vehículos de Movilidad Personal). These changes will affect everyone who uses such means of transportation on the country's roads. If you often ride an electric scooter around the city, it is important to be aware of the new obligations to avoid fines and problems with the police.
Mandatory registration of electric scooters
One of the most important changes is that all electric scooters must now be registered with the National Vehicle Registry of the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT). This means that you can't just buy a scooter and start riding it - you have to officially register it.
After successful registration, the owner receives:
- Movement certificate with QR code — this is the main document confirming the registration of your product
- Identification sticker — a special sticker that must be placed in a visible place on the scooter
The sticker serves to allow police and other authorities to easily identify your vehicle on the road.
Compulsory civil liability insurance
In addition to registration, third party liability insurance is now required. This insurance protects you in the event that you accidentally cause damage to another person or property while riding an electric scooter.
If you drive without such insurance, you may be fined up to 800 euros. This is a really serious amount, so we recommend not taking risks and taking out insurance.
What awaits us in 2027?
From 2027, the rules will become even stricter. Only officially certified (homologados) electric scooters that meet certain technical safety standards will be allowed to be used. Scooters without such certification will be banned from the roads.
This means that homemade modifications and unofficial means will no longer be allowed. The authorities are doing this to increase road safety and protect both scooter users and pedestrians.
Safety and compliance tips
In addition to the basic requirements, it’s also worth checking the local traffic laws in your city or region. Different municipalities may have additional restrictions, such as maximum speed, permitted riding zones, or times of day when you can ride a scooter.
Before you set off on an electric scooter, make sure that:
- The scooter is registered with the DGT
- It has an identification sticker on it.
- You have valid third party liability insurance
- You are familiar with local safety regulations
Following these rules ensures that you can safely use your electric scooter and avoid unnecessary fines and problems with the authorities.