Electric Scooter Laws in Spain

What Electric Scooter Owners Need to Know in Spain

Electric scooters are now a common sight across Spain, but the rules covering their use, registration and insurance have changed considerably.

Electric scooters classed as Personal Mobility Vehicles — known in Spain as Vehículos de Movilidad Personal or VMPs — are subject to national requirements covering registration, identification and civil liability insurance.

If you own or use an electric scooter in Spain, understanding the current rules is important. Not just to avoid fines, but to make sure your scooter is legally registered, correctly insured and used in permitted areas.

What Is Classed as an Electric Scooter in Spain?

Under Spanish law, most electric scooters are classed as Personal Mobility Vehicles, known as Vehículos de Movilidad Personal or VMPs.

A VMP is a vehicle with one or more wheels, designed for one person and powered entirely by an electric motor. Its maximum design speed must be between 6 and 25 km/h.

Only self-balancing vehicles may be fitted with a seat. Electric bicycles, mobility scooters, children’s toys and vehicles capable of travelling faster than 25 km/h fall into different legal categories and may be subject to other rules.

You can check the official list of certified models on the DGT website.

Is Electric Scooter Insurance Compulsory in Spain?

Yes. Civil liability insurance is now compulsory for electric scooters classed as VMPs in Spain.

The insurance is designed to cover injury or damage caused to other people while using the scooter. This could include injuring a pedestrian, damaging a parked vehicle or causing an accident involving another road user.

Before insurance can be arranged, the scooter must be registered with the DGT and have an official identification number.

Riding without the required insurance could leave the owner personally responsible for compensation and other costs following an accident. It may also result in a fine.

Do Electric Scooters Need to Be Registered with the DGT?

Yes. Electric scooters classed as VMPs must be registered in the DGT’s national vehicle register.

Registration links the scooter to its owner and creates an official record of the vehicle. It is also required before compulsory insurance can be arranged.

This is not the same as registering a car or motorbike. Electric scooters do not receive a conventional number plate, but the identification number allows the scooter and its registered owner to be identified.

Registration is also needed before the owner can arrange the compulsory civil liability insurance required to use the scooter legally.

How to Register an Electric Scooter in Spain

VMP registration can be completed online through the DGT or with help from an authorised registration service.

Before starting, you will need details about the scooter and proof that you are its owner. The process generally involves:

Provide the scooter’s make, model and certificate details.
Provide proof of ownership, such as an invoice, purchase receipt or other supporting document.
Enter the owner’s personal details and identification information.
Pay the applicable DGT registration fee.
Receive the digital registration certificate and identification number.

Once the scooter has been registered, the owner can arrange the required insurance and obtain the official identification label.

What Happens After Registration?

Once the registration process is complete, the DGT issues a digital registration certificate in PDF format and a unique identification number for the scooter.

The owner can then obtain the official identification label from an authorised number-plate issuing centre and attach it to the designated holder or identification area on the scooter.

The identification label displays the scooter’s registration number and allows it to be linked to its registration details and registered owner.

Once the scooter has been registered, the owner can arrange the compulsory electric scooter insurance in Spain needed to use it legally.

Keep the registration certificate and insurance details somewhere safe, as you may need to provide them following an accident, when making an insurance claim or if requested by the authorities.

What About Older Electric Scooters Without Certification?

Electric scooters sold before 22 January 2024 may continue to be used without a VMP certificate until 22 January 2027.

However, older scooters still need to be registered with the DGT and insured if they are being used on public roads or in other permitted public areas.

When registering an older scooter without VMP certification, select “Vehículo no certificado” when the registration form asks for the certificate number.

If you own an older model, it is worth checking its certification status before the transition period ends. The DGT provides an official list of certified VMP models.

Other Electric Scooter Rules in Spain

Registration and insurance are not the only legal requirements. Electric scooter riders must also follow rules covering speed, passengers and where scooters can be used.

Some local rules vary between towns and cities, so it is important to check the regulations in your municipality. However, the following national rules apply across Spain:

Electric scooters classed as VMPs must have a maximum design speed of between 6 and 25 km/h.
Only one person may ride an electric scooter. Carrying passengers is not permitted.
Electric scooters must not be used on pavements, pedestrian areas, motorways, dual carriageways, interurban roads or urban tunnels.
Using a mobile phone or wearing headphones while riding is prohibited.
The same alcohol and drug restrictions that apply to other drivers also apply to electric scooter riders.
Lights and reflective equipment must be used where required so that the rider and scooter remain visible.

Helmet rules and minimum age requirements may vary depending on local regulations, so check the rules where you live or plan to ride.

What Insurance Cover Do Electric Scooter Owners Need?

Compulsory electric scooter insurance must include civil liability cover for injury or damage caused to other people.

This could include medical costs if a pedestrian is injured, repairs if you damage a parked vehicle, or compensation following an accident involving another road user.

Compulsory civil liability insurance does not necessarily cover damage to your own scooter, theft or injuries you suffer while riding. The cover included will depend on the policy, so it is important to check what is and is not insured.

When comparing policies, look at the level of civil liability cover provided, any exclusions, the excess you may need to pay and whether additional protection is available.

Dragon Insurance can explain the available options and help you arrange suitable cover for your scooter and circumstances.

Need Electric Scooter Insurance in Spain?

If you own an electric scooter in Spain, having the right insurance is now an important part of staying legal and protected.

Dragon Insurance can explain the cover available, answer your questions and help you arrange suitable insurance for your electric scooter.

Our English-speaking team is based in Benitachell and provides clear, personal support before you take out a policy and whenever you need help afterwards.

Learn more about electric scooter insurance in Spain or contact Dragon Insurance for friendly, straightforward advice.