Using an Electric Scooter in Spain

We have recently made the transition from e-bikes to scooters , in the main it was a seamless one. We had owned mountain bikes for years and electric mountain bikes for four years , travelling on average 2,000K a year, including reaching the north face of the Eiger in Switzerland. We used them for extended sight seeing and exercise. They are now however , worn out , beyond redemption and a state generally akin to that of Arthur Weasley’s Ford Anglia after it had been thrashed by the Whomping Willow in Harry Potters film - The Chamber of Secrets.

At the same time a little bundle of joy arrived and altered the things we could do with the bikes. There was no longer time for extended rides as our new dog required long walks, or there was to be no peace. But there was still a need for commuting , so the scooters have filled the void.

Not yet legal in the UK we await the legal definition as to the class of the vehicle the scooter will become. No doubt there will legal requirements and advisory provisions issued in triplicate , debated by bored politicians and Health and Safety zelots of the kind that insist on placing the word ‘HOT’ over the hot tap in bathrooms . Everything from permitted power outputs , to where it can be ridden, to insurance and to helmet wearing will be on the agenda . The UK has this legislation in the tube somewhere, slowly making it’s way by carrier pigeon no doubt, towards the MP’s Chambers, where eventually they will vote and pass into the law the legal framework we are awaiting. Beware though, as even then, there will be a mean spirited response to them by some , still fuming about the recent changes in the Highway Code and who will voice their opposition to such things claiming our roads are suitable for no more two wheeled traffic. They may have a point of course. But be aware, to some along with drones and cycles , E-scooters now form a new axis of evil.

The Scooter schemes you may see around the UK have been set up under special provisions, to enable their legal abandonment on street corners and canal bottoms, there have been problems of course but by and large the evidence suggests that they have broadly been a success. Some will point to a number of accidents , but in truth the usuage of e- scooters in cities where they are rented does not stand effective comparison to a scooter owned and purchased by a van owners and used socially in places which are generally rural and often not in the UK.

Our usage in any case was for the Continent of Europe where we spend on average 6 months each year, where governments have long seen the benefits of electric scooters , legislated for their provision and encouraged their citizens to embrace the new world of E scooters. Stand by though , because it’s not that straight forward , there is no EU wide position and each nations rules need to be checked as there are often subtle differences , sometimes such as in Spain between autonomous regional governments. So check, check and check again.

There are important links of course between the legal position in the home country and the nation you are travelling to. Like a car or motorhome brought across a national boundary , scooters are firstly made compliant for the country they were sold in and insurance extended to certain other mainly EU countries. Until the government pauses from shovelling the debt mountain and dealing with other pressing dramas and passes the act , insurance cannot be obtained for E Scooters in the UK. Insurance companies do have insurance products ready to go , but will not release them until the legislation is passed.

Insurance however is not compulsory , but advisory in Spain. It operates the same as a cycle.

We have brought our new Segeway Ninebot G30 Scooters to Spain using them primarily for riding to photography locations, to get to the shop and other general commutes. For everything also we can manage with Shank’s Pony and public transport which suits us fine.

These are main legal points about riding your scooter here.

• You cannot ride on dedicated pedestrian footpaths

• Neither can they be used on intercity roads, motorways, highways, bypasses or city tunnels.

• You may ride in shared dedicated cycleways

• You may ride on the road

• The use of earphones whilst on a scooter is prohibited

• The maximum speed for all roads is set at 25 km/h and the minimum speed allowed is 6km/h

• Only one person is allowed on a scooter at any one time

• You must take care of pedestrians and give them room

• Helmets are advisable but not compulsory

• Parents of offenders under the age of 18 will be held legally responsible for their actions and their fines.

• Riders are advised to wear a reflective vest

• Insurance is advisable ( 3rd Party) but not compulsory

• Drink Drive rules apply

Given the legal position, here are some practical points we have learned

• There is no way to look cool on a scooter with a helmet on - just deal with it

• You will always feel inadequate when you park the scooter in the motorcycle bay

• It is the most fun you can have with your clothes on

• The roads are less congested and drivers more thoughtful than the UK.

• Hand signals are more difficult on a scooter in relation to balance and sometimes a ‘go around is required’

The future

Spain in 2027 is going to insist that only scooters listed on the official list of approved scooters will be permissible to use. They have started the list already , it is below and it is quite small. From reading the main difference seems to be the installation of indicators.

So if you come to Spain enjoy your scooters , just one more thing to enjoy in this place of happiness while sun shines over head. Best wishes Helen and Martin