Electric scooter (VMP) rules in Spain

Key rules

• Speed: E-scooters are limited to 25 km/h, and to 10 km/h in pedestrian areas where they are allowed.
• Helmet: Every e-scooter rider of any age must wear a certified helmet on all roads, urban and interurban.
• Insurance: Civil liability insurance has been compulsory since 2 January 2026.
• Registration: Register a scooter you already own by 2 January 2027.

What counts as an e-scooter (VMP)

In Spain an e-scooter is a "VMP", a small single-seat electric vehicle. It must stay within the speed limit of 25 km/h, and the manufacturer must certify that it meets the technical standard, including a power limit of 1,000 W. Only one person may ride each scooter, so no passengers.

Certificate of circulation

Your scooter needs a certificate of circulation from the manufacturer or an accredited body, and an identifying mark on the scooter. New scooters sold since 22 January 2024 must have it. If you already own one, register it by 2 January 2027 to keep riding it. Ask the seller for the certificate before you buy.

Insurance

Civil liability insurance has been compulsory since 2 January 2026. It covers damage to other people. Keep proof of it with you. Riding without it is a serious offence, with fines of 650 to 1,000 euros.

Helmet

Every e-scooter rider of any age must wear a certified helmet on all roads, urban and interurban. Riding without one costs about 200 euros.

Where you can ride

• You can ride on urban roads, bike lanes, cycle tracks and 30 km/h streets, unless your town hall says otherwise.
• Pavements and pedestrian areas are banned unless a local rule allows them. Where they are allowed, the limit is 10 km/h.
• Interurban roads, travesías and urban tunnels are banned.
• The top speed everywhere is 25 km/h.

Towns can set their own limits or ban scooters in some zones. Check your town hall's rules when you move or visit a new city.

Fines

Town halls can add their own fines. The warnings and checklist below cover the rest.

Checklist

• Buy a certified helmet to wear on every ride, urban or interurban.

• Put your phone and headphones away while riding, as using them costs 200 euros.

• Look up your town hall's local rules on e-scooters before riding in a new city.

What to watch out for

• Riding without insurance: Riding uninsured is a serious offence with a fine of 650 to 1,000 euros. Take out liability insurance before your next ride and carry proof.

• Alcohol and drugs: Alcohol above the limit costs about 500 euros, and drug-driving costs 1,000 euros. Do not ride after drinking or taking drugs.

• Phone, helmet and pavement fines: Using a phone or headphones, riding without a helmet and riding on the pavement each cost about 200 euros. Wear a certified helmet, keep your phone and headphones away, and stay on roads and bike lanes.

• Extra local fines: Town halls can add their own fines through local ordinances. Ask your town hall's traffic office what applies where you ride.

Frequently asked questions

Does my old e-scooter need a certificate to keep riding?

Yes, an e-scooter you already own must be certified and registered by 2 January 2027 to keep circulating. New e-scooters sold from 22 January 2024 must already have the certificate of circulation. The certificate comes from the manufacturer or an accredited body, and each unit carries an identifying mark.

Is liability insurance compulsory for e-scooter riders?

Yes, civil liability insurance for damage to third parties has been compulsory since 2 January 2026, and it is tied to the DGT registry. Police can check it, and riding without it costs 650 to 1,000 euros. Older units had a transition period, so ask your insurer how your scooter is treated.

Can I carry a passenger on my e-scooter?

No, only one person may ride each e-scooter. Municipalities may also set local limits or ban e-scooters in some zones, so check your town hall's rules before riding somewhere new.