Cycling rules, bike lanes, e-bikes and bike share in Spain

Key rules

• 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.
• Helmet: Children under 16 need a helmet everywhere, and adults need one on roads between towns.
• Insurance: Bicycles and legal e-bikes need no compulsory insurance or registration nationally.
• Alcohol: Cyclists face the same limit as drivers: 0.5 g/l in blood.

Helmets: required outside towns, and for children everywhere

On roads between towns, you must wear a helmet. The exception is a long, steep climb. Professional cyclists in competition are also exempt, as are riders with a medical certificate for extreme heat. In towns, adults do not have to wear one. Children under 16 must wear a helmet on every road, including in town. The fine for riding without one is 200 euros.

What counts as an e-bike

An e-bike counts as a bicycle only if its motor is at most 250 W and the assistance stops at 25 km/h. Assistance must also cut out when you stop pedalling. Above those limits, or with a throttle that works without pedalling above 6 km/h, the vehicle is a moped. A moped needs type approval, ITV (the vehicle inspection), registration and a plate, compulsory insurance, a helmet and at least an AM licence.

Before you buy, check the label and manual for the motor power and the 25 km/h cut-off.

Road rules

• Use the bike lane whenever there is one.
• Use lights and reflective clothing at night, in tunnels and in poor visibility.
• Do not use your phone or headphones while riding.
• You can ride two abreast on roads between towns.
• Drivers must leave at least 1.5 m when overtaking you on those roads. They may cross a continuous line to do so if it is safe.
• Cyclists face the same alcohol limits as drivers: 0.5 g/l in blood (0.25 mg/l in breath), and 0.3 g/l for novice drivers. You can be fined for riding after a couple of drinks.

Insurance and registration

No national law requires insurance or registration for a bicycle or a legal e-bike. Third-party liability cover is still a good idea. Some home policies and cycling federations include it, so ask your insurer. Some towns run their own bike registers against theft. Ask your town hall.

Bike share

Barcelona (Bicing): you must be over 16 and live in the Barcelona metropolitan area. Sign-up needs an ID card or NIE, a bank card or account, and a local address.

Madrid (BiciMAD): this is a public electric bike system for people over 14, with age rules. You can use a prepaid card or the app with a registered subscription. Your empadronamiento can help with resident discounts but is not needed to join.

Prices vary by plan and by year. Check current fees on the Bicing and BiciMAD websites.

The checklist, documents list and FAQ below cover the practical steps.

Documents you need

• An ID card or NIE (foreigner identity number) to sign up for Bicing in Barcelona, as issued.

• A bank card or bank account for Bicing sign-up and payment.

• A local address in the Barcelona metropolitan area for Bicing; you must be over 16 and live there.

• Your empadronamiento (registration at your town hall) for BiciMAD in Madrid; it is not needed to join but helps with some resident discounts.

Check current sign-up requirements and fees on the Bicing and BiciMAD websites before applying.

Checklist

• Buy a helmet for any child under 16 and make sure they wear it on every road.

• Wear a helmet on interurban roads, unless you are on a long steep climb.

• Fit working lights and wear reflective clothing for riding at night, in tunnels or in poor visibility.

• Keep your phone and headphones off while riding.

• Check that your e-bike's label and manual show the motor at 250 W or less and assistance that stops at 25 km/h.

• Ask your home insurer whether your policy covers third-party liability while cycling, and add cover if it does not.

• Ask your town hall whether it runs a bike register for anti-theft purposes.

• Gather your ID or NIE, bank card and local address before signing up for Bicing in Barcelona.

• Check the age rules and plan prices for BiciMAD in Madrid before signing up.

Frequently asked questions

Do adults have to wear a helmet when cycling in town?

No, adults are not required to wear a helmet in towns, but children under 16 must wear one on every road, urban ones included. Outside towns, helmets are compulsory for everyone, with a few exceptions such as long steep climbs.

Can I be fined for cycling after a couple of drinks?

Yes, cyclists face the same alcohol limit as drivers: 0.5 g/l in blood, which is 0.25 mg/l in breath. Novice drivers have a lower limit of 0.3 g/l. Phones and headphones are also banned while riding.

Do I need insurance for my bike or e-bike?

No, neither a bicycle nor a standard e-bike needs compulsory insurance or registration at national level. Third-party liability cover is still a good idea, and some home policies or cycling federations include it. Some towns keep their own anti-theft registers, so ask your town hall.

How many people can ride side by side on a Spanish road?

Cyclists can ride two abreast on interurban roads. Drivers must leave at least 1.5 m when overtaking you, and may cross a continuous line to do so if it is safe.