Electric scooter riders face fines up to 1,220 euros for non-compliance

The Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) has warned that electric scooter riders in Spain face significant fines for failing to comply with new regulations. Operating a scooter without registration in the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) registry and without mandatory civil liability insurance can result in combined penalties of up to 1,220 euros.

As of April, only 140,000 out of more than 4 million electric scooters in circulation were registered. Beyond fines, non-compliance can lead to vehicle immobilization and removal to municipal depots. In the event of an accident, the financial responsibility for damages without insurance can exceed 200,000 or even 500,000 euros if serious injuries occur.

New requirements mandate that scooters must be registered, identified with a specific label, and covered by insurance. For models purchased after January 22, 2024, certification is required. Older, non-certified models may continue to operate only until January 22, 2027, provided they are registered and insured. Additional infractions, such as riding on sidewalks or not wearing a helmet starting October 1, carry separate fines of 200 euros.