The new legislation will be effective as of January 2, 2026, according to Spain’s official gazette the Boletín Oficial del Estado (BOE), with owners of e-scooters in the crosshairs
Local authorities in Benidorm have issued a fresh warning for holidaymakers (stock)(Image: Getty)
Owners of electric scooters and e-bikes in Spain will soon be required to have specific insurance to use their vehicles on public roads. The new rule, announced in Spain’s official gazette, the Boletín Oficial del Estado (BOE), will come into effect from 2 January 2026.
These modes of transport have seen a surge in popularity across Spain, offering an affordable, efficient, and environmentally friendly alternative for commuting. However, with their increased usage, safety concerns have also risen, leading to calls for more defined regulations.
The new law aims to bring clarity and accountability to these increasingly popular forms of transport. As per the BOE, the new rules will apply to any mechanically propelled vehicle designed for land travel, with a top manufacturing speed exceeding 25 km/h, or weighing over 25kg with a maximum speed above 14 km/h.
Escooters in Spain will require new documentation(Image: Getty)
The legislation also covers trailers and semi-trailers used with these vehicles, whether attached or not, as well as motorcycles or pedal-assisted cycles with auxiliary propulsion capable of going beyond 25 km/h, reports the Express.
Vehicles falling under the EU category L1e-B (as defined by Regulation (EU) No 168/2013) are also affected by the new rules, along with pedal-assisted vehicles with auxiliary propulsion that can surpass 45 km/h.
Under the new regulations, Spanish owners of such vehicles will need to secure and maintain an insurance policy covering civil liability up to the legal minimum.
The new rules do come with some exceptions, including vehicles that have been officially taken off the road and are not being used for transport, as well as light trailers and semi-trailers weighing less than 750kg.
Benidorm is a popular scene among Brits(Image: Getty Images)
During their production or transportation as goods, motor vehicles must be covered by equivalent damage liability insurance.
Vehicle owners who find their vehicles reclassified as motor vehicles under the new regulations will be given a six-month transition period to secure the necessary insurance.
During this grace period, owners won’t be penalised for lack of insurance, but their vehicles will still be deemed uninsured.
In the event of an accident, compensation will be handled by Spain’s Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros, which can then seek reimbursement from those at fault.
Meanwhile, Brits planning a holiday in the popular seaside resort of Benidorm have been alerted to a regulation that could hit them in the pocket.
Local authorities are getting tough on mobility scooters, with lawbreakers facing fines of up to £425.