Mandatory Insurance for Heavier E-Scooters Begins Friday
DGT introduces new PMV regulations, mandating immediate insurance for vehicles over 25kg and 14km/h, while deferring requirements for lighter models until a new registry is active.
This January brings significant new rules for how we get around, especially for electric scooters and some bicycles. From this Friday, electric scooters and certain types of bicycles must have mandatory insurance.
The Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) defines "Personal Mobility Vehicles" (PMVs) as devices with one or more wheels, designed for a single person, and powered by an electric motor, travelling between 6 and 25 km/h. Most electric scooters fall into this category and now require mandatory civil liability insurance.
Riders are reminded that PMVs are not allowed on sidewalks, pedestrian zones, crossings, highways, motorways, interurban roads, or tunnels. They can only be ridden on roads approved by local councils, or, if no specific rules exist, on any urban road. Riders must also follow the same alcohol and drug limits as other drivers.
PMVs must be equipped with a braking system, a bell, and reflective lights at both the front and rear. While not always legally required by local rules, the DGT recommends wearing a helmet and having civil liability insurance for all PMVs.
In the future, riders will need a circulation certificate, must register their vehicle with the DGT's public registry, and display a label with its registration number. Breaking these rules could lead to fines ranging from 200 to 1,000 euros, depending on the seriousness of the offense.
The DGT is currently setting up an official registry to identify and register these vehicles. The necessary law (Royal Decree) is being processed, and its technical development is complete. The DGT confirms that until this registry is fully set up and operational, the requirement to register PMVs and the mandatory insurance for 'light personal vehicles' (as defined by Law 5/2025) will not apply.
However, the DGT stresses that PMVs weighing over 25 kg and capable of speeds above 14 km/h must have insurance now, even before the full registry is active. There's a grace period for these vehicles until January 26, 2026.