Portugal Parliament approves helmet mandate for electric scooters and bicycles

The Portuguese Assembly of the Republic has approved in general terms a bill proposed by the PSD that would mandate the use of helmets for users of electric scooters and electric bicycles. The legislation also includes requirements for reflective clothing or equipment during nighttime or periods of low visibility.

Under the proposed rules, fines for not wearing a helmet would range from 60 to 300 euros for scooter users and 30 to 150 euros for electric bicycle users. Similar fines of 30 to 150 euros are proposed for failing to use reflective gear. The specific characteristics of the required reflective equipment are to be defined by the government following a proposal from the Institute for Mobility and Transport (IMT).

The bill has now moved to the specialized discussion stage within the Commission on Infrastructure, Mobility, and Housing. The urban mobility association MUBi has cautioned that because the bill was only approved in general terms, the new obligations and fines are not yet in effect and remain subject to change during the detailed legislative process.