Bikes, scooters and motorbikes

It is for anyone thinking about, planning or carrying out a move to Spain. Spanish cities are full of scooters and bikes, but each type of vehicle has its own licence, insurance, helmet and registration rules, and the e-scooter rules change quickly.

Start with "Buying, registering and insuring a motorbike or scooter". It walks you through the ownership steps in order. If you are not sure what you are allowed to ride, read "Which licence you need for a moped, 125cc or larger motorbike" first. After that, go to the article for the vehicle you plan to use: riding and parking a motorbike, electric scooter rules, cycling and e-bikes, bikes on trains and metro, or microcars and quads.

Key rules

• E-scooter speed: E-scooters are limited to 25 km/h, and to 10 km/h in pedestrian areas where they are allowed.
• E-bike limit: An e-bike counts as a bicycle only if its motor is at most 250 W and the assistance stops at 25 km/h; above that it is treated as a moped.
• AM licence age: You can get the AM licence for mopeds and light quadricycles from age 15.
• E-scooter helmet: Every e-scooter rider of any age must wear a certified helmet on all roads, urban and interurban.
• Motorbike insurance: Third-party insurance is compulsory for every moped and motorbike, and riding uninsured risks a heavy fine and immobilisation of the vehicle.
• Car licence: A B licence held for 3 years covers a 125cc bike in Spain only.

Documents you may need

• An ID card or NIE — Cycling rules, bike lanes, e-bikes and bike share in Spain

• Your empadronamiento — Cycling rules, bike lanes, e-bikes and bike share in Spain

• Ficha técnica — Buying, registering and insuring a motorbike or scooter

• Certificate of conformity for a new motorbike — Buying, registering and insuring a motorbike or scooter

• Permiso de circulación — Buying, registering and insuring a motorbike or scooter

Bikes, scooters and motorbikes: questions that cross several articles

Can I ride a 125cc motorbike on my car licence in Spain?

Yes, if you have held a B car licence for at least 3 years, you can ride a motorbike or scooter up to 125 cc and 11 kW without a course or exam. This only works in Spain, not abroad. Read "Which licence you need for a moped, 125cc or larger motorbike" for the details, and "Buying, registering and insuring a motorbike or scooter" for the insurance you need.

How long can I ride in Spain on my foreign motorbike licence?

An EU or EEA licence stays valid in Spain until its own expiry date, and exchanging it is optional until you need to renew. A non-EU licence is valid for 6 months after you become resident, then you must exchange it at the DGT (the traffic authority) if your country has an agreement with Spain, or pass the Spanish tests. See Which licence you need for a moped, 125cc or larger motorbike.

What does it cost to get a motorbike licence in Spain?

The DGT exam fee was about 94 euros in 2025, and a full autoescuela (driving school) package typically costs 400 to 900 euros. You also need a medical and psychotechnical certificate first, then theory and practical tests. Read "Which licence you need for a moped, 125cc or larger motorbike" to pick the right class.

Is the AM licence enough for a moped or a microcar?

Yes, the AM licence covers mopeds up to 45 km/h and light quadricycles, and you can get it from age 15. Read "Microcars and quads you can drive without a car licence" for the vehicle class, and "Which licence you need for a moped, 125cc or larger motorbike" for how to get the licence.

Who registers a new motorbike and gets the plate?

The dealer usually registers a new motorbike for you, and a gestoría (an agent who handles paperwork) can also do it. Registration involves paying the registration tax where it applies, the DGT fee and the town hall's vehicle tax, then getting the permiso de circulación and plate at the Jefatura de Tráfico by appointment. A used bike needs a change of ownership instead.