Staying Safe on a Scooter

Officially classed as “Personal Mobility Vehicles” (Vehículos de Movilidad Personal or VMP), the most common version is the electric scooter, or escooter, and so we tend to refer to them as scooters for simplicity.

In technical terms, in Spain, a VMP is a vehicle with one or more wheels, able to carry a single person, and powered exclusively by electric motors, with a maximum design speed of between 6 and 25 km/h.

They can only be equipped with a seat or saddle if they are equipped with a self-balancing system. This definition excludes vehicles for people with reduced mobility.

It is important to not the letter “V” in VMP, “Vehiculo”, or vehicle, as that is precisely what these transport devices are, vehicles, and, therefore, when used on the road they are subject to the same regulations as all other vehicles, with a number of additions.

Before driving, it is important to know the rules that personal mobility vehicle users must comply with when travelling in urban areas and to do so safely. On interurban roads, roads connecting towns, their use is prohibited.

Their drivers are subject to the same maximum alcohol levels permitted by the Road Safety Act, as well as the prohibition of driving under the influence of drugs. For those under 18, the alcohol limit is zero, for those over 18, as with other vehicles, the limit is set to become far stricter soon.

You are also not allowed to wear headphones or use a mobile phone or any other device while driving.

The recent Traffic Law establishes the obligation for drivers of VMPs to use a protective helmet, in the terms determined by regulation. The DGT is already working on this regulatory development jointly with the municipalities and the actors involved.

VMPs are prohibited from travelling on pavements, pedestrian areas, pedestrian crossings, motorways, dual carriageways, interurban roads or tunnels in urban areas. The authorised roads for circulation will be indicated by a municipal ordinance. If there is no ordinance, circulation is permitted on any urban road.

The speed of that these vehicles can travel at must be between 6 and 25 km/h. This is the characteristic of the vehicle, not just during the operation.

Each Municipal Council can regulate, in a specific way, the circulation of VMPs (including electric scooters), so you must check the regulations in your local area for specifics.