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For drivers, the start of the new year brings the much talked about V-16 beacons which will replace the old emergency triangles across Spain. But there’s big news for electric scooter riders too, who will need to have civil liability insurance as of January 2.

 

This means that scooter users have just over two weeks to ensure they comply with new regulations that will make insurance and registration mandatory from 2026.

 

The Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) has announced sweeping changes that will end what it describes as an administrative loophole, transforming how electric scooters are used across the country. The new framework requires three essential elements for legal use: registration with the DGT, a visible identification number and civil liability insurance.

 

Riders who fail to meet these requirements will face fines ranging from €200 to €1,000, depending on the severity of the infraction. Those caught without proper documentation will be prohibited from riding until their administrative status is rectified.

 

According to the DGT, the insurance requirement in particular is in response to the significant increase in accidents involving electric scooters. Reports from the insurance sector and urban studies have documented numerous injuries and fatalities, prompting the authorities to establish clear regulations to protect pedestrians and other road users.

 

Insurance premiums are expected to cost between €20 and €100 per year, depending on the type of coverage purchased. The policies will be essential for covering damages to third parties, and riders involved in accidents without valid insurance will be personally responsible for all compensation costs.

 

Those who already have insurance policies are advised to check whether they meet the minimum requirements, as policies that fall short will become invalid under the new rules.

 

The registration process will require scooters to display visible identification numbers, bringing them in line with other vehicles on Spanish roads. The DGT states that this will provide traceability and reduce conflicts in areas where pedestrians, cyclists and scooters share space. The DGT recommends consulting its official website to check which makes and models have already been certified, with the aim of acquiring a product that meets the technical requirements and can be used beyond 2027.

 

Further changes are planned for January 2027, when only personal mobility vehicles approved according to the official specifications manual will be permitted on Spanish roads. This phased technical adaptation will require manufacturers to revise their models to ensure their scooters comply with regulations, with the aim of eliminating the wide variety of uncertified devices currently found in Spanish cities.

 

Pedelec bicycles and pedal-assist bicycles with speeds up to 25 km/h will remain exempt from the mandatory insurance requirement for now.

 

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