Police Seize Modified Electric Scooter Clocked at 100 km/h in Tenerife

The rise of modified personal mobility vehicles (PMVs) has reignited concerns over urban road safety. Santa Cruz de Tenerife police recently intercepted an electric scooter rider following a high-speed chase along the Rosario highway, during which the vehicle reached speeds of 100 kilometers per hour.

The pursuit ended near the Nuestra Señora de Candelaria University Hospital, drawing attention to the dangers of scooters that lack mandatory speed limiters. Police found that the seized scooter was equipped with a five-speed selector and a power-boosting mechanism, allowing it to far exceed legal speed limits.

The incident began when the rider made an illegal U-turn, but it has since escalated into a serious administrative investigation. While police confirmed the scooter was not stolen, it has been impounded because it lacked mandatory insurance since the end of last year. Authorities have forwarded a full report, including technical documentation and photographic evidence, to the Provincial Traffic Headquarters.

This case highlights a growing challenge for officials: the sale of devices that arrive from the factory with performance capabilities that bypass safety standards. Under current regulations, PMVs must be single-seat electric vehicles with a maximum speed between 6 and 25 kilometers per hour. Any modification that exceeds these limits is illegal and creates significant legal complications regarding liability in the event of an accident. As a result, security forces are now increasing their efforts to inspect the mechanical configuration of these vehicles.