Spain and Argentina tighten electric scooter rules with age, helmet and insurance mandates

Both Spain and Argentina have approved major revisions to their General Traffic Regulations that tighten rules for electric scooters and other personal mobility vehicles.

In Spain, the changes take effect on 1 October 2026. Users must be at least 15 years old, wear a helmet at all times, keep lights on, and wear a reflective vest in low‑visibility conditions. Delivery‑person riders must wear the vest continuously. Failure to comply is a serious offence fined €200. The reform also requires liability insurance and registration of the vehicle, and limits scooter use to segregated lanes outside urban areas.

Argentina’s new regulation, approved by the Council of Ministers, introduces a similar minimum age of 15 years, compulsory helmets and reflective vests at night, mandatory lighting, and a compulsory civil‑liability insurance policy. Non‑compliance carries fines ranging from €200 to €610. Both countries also broaden safety obligations for cyclists and motorcyclists, such as mandatory helmets and protective gear, and impose stricter overtaking rules.

These measures aim to protect “vulnerable road users” by aligning scooter regulations with those for bicycles and other two‑wheel vehicles.