Looking to Buy an Electric Scooter?

It is important, first off, to note that what we are about to tell you is not just for electric scooters, they are just the most common vehicle in the class, but if you are looking to buy an electric scooter, or any other type of Personal Mobility Vehicles, Vehículos de Movilidad Personal (VMP), perhaps as part of the upcoming Black Friday offers, or as a Christmas present, then there are certain things you need to know.

In 2022, the General Directorate of Traffic published the Manual of Characteristics of Personal Mobility Vehicles, a regulatory document that sets out the technical characteristics that VMPs must meet in order to circulate on roads of Spain and the obligation for such vehicles to be certified by the competent bodies.

It also establishes the obligation for manufacturers or authorised representatives to have a circulation certificate for a specific make, model, and version that guarantees compliance with a series of technical and identification requirements so that such vehicles can circulate on roads.

In other words, you cannot just import a scooter because it is cheap, it must be of a certified type, that satisfies a number of minimum safety standards, or the vehicle is not permitted on the roads.

Amongst the requirements is that the maximum permitted speed may not be capable of exceeding 25 kmph. There are many other characteristics which must also be satisfied, but the speed element is of particular note because on some models it is possible to overide the speed lock, which would render the vehicle illegal.

Royal Decree 970/2020, of November 10, which modifies the General Traffic Regulations, approved by Royal Decree 1428/2003, of November 21, and the General Vehicle Regulations, calls Vehículos de Movilidad Personal (VMP) those vehicles with one or more wheels equipped with a single place and propelled exclusively by electric motors (batteries of up to 100 VDC and with an integrated charger of up to 240 VAC input), which can provide the vehicle with a maximum design speed between 6 and 25 km/h, and which can only be equipped with a seat or saddle if they are equipped with self-balancing systems.

It is also important to note that VMPs, being self-propelled exclusively by an electric motor, are classified as ZERO emissions and are exempt from having to carry a visible label.

 Purchasing an Electric Scooter

The good news is that the DGT has a list of certified models on the website, so you can check at any time, without having to check the individual characteristics. The scooters available in most reputable stores are likely to be certified models, but when purchasing a VMP, keep in mind that PMVs sold now, (as was the case since January 22, 2024), must be certified for use.

If you had purchased one before this date, you don’t have to worry just yet, as VMP’s sold before that date are permitted on the roads until January 22, 2027, even if they do not have a certificate. After that date, only VMPs with certification may do so.