Electric scooters have transformed the urban mobility in many Spanish cities. However, with their surging popularity, concerns regarding safety and regulation have also come to the forefront. In this article, we focus into the significant regulatory changes for electric scooters to toke effect on the 22nd of January 2024.
Definition of Personal Mobility Vehicles (PMVs)
As defined by the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT), a Personal Mobility Vehicle (PMV) is a single or multi-wheeled vehicle designed for a single rider and powered exclusively by electric motors, with a maximum design speed ranging from 6 to 25 km/h. These vehicles may feature a seat or saddle if equipped with a self-balancing system.
- Maximum Speed of 25 km/h: Exceeding this limit will result in the motor being deactivated, which is particularly relevant in the context of electric scooters. They will also feature an anti-tampering system, both for speed and power.
- Two Independent Brakes with a Minimum Deceleration of 3.5 m/s²: Electric scooters must have two separate brakes that provide a minimum deceleration of 3.5 m/s². Additionally, those with more than two wheels must also have a parking brake.
- Visibility Equipment: This includes front reflectors (white), side reflectors (white or yellow), and rear reflectors (red). The brake light must be distinct or combined with the rear light.
- Reflectors for Cargo Transport: Electric scooters intended for transporting goods or providing other services must also incorporate yellow reflectors on the sides and red reflectors on both the edges and vertices of the cargo. This is to ensure their clear visibility and distinction in low-visibility situations, both in terms of height and width.
Key Regulatory Changes
On the 22nd of January 2024, the DGT implemented regulatory changes with the aim of ensuring user safety and the quality of commercially available PMVs. These changes include:
- Mandatory Homologation: All electric scooters sold from this date onward must have mandatory homologation for use. You can check the DGT’s website for a list of models “approved”. The regulations allow for a transition period. Electric scooters that are already in operation and those that have been sold without certification but before the regulatory deadline can continue to be used until January 2027. This transition period offers a grace period for users to adapt to the new regulations.
- Homologation Certification: Only electric scooters with a certification of homologation will be allowed to circulate, indicated by an informative plaque on the vehicle.
- Technical Inspection: Similar to motor vehicles, electric scooters will also undergo a specific Vehicle Technical Inspection (ITV). The inspection will focus on aspects such as speed, braking system, and battery.
- Speed: It will be verified that the speed of the PMV falls within the regulatory range, which spans from 6 km/h to 25 km/h. This will be carried out using specific measurement instruments.
- Battery and Wiring: During the inspection, the condition of the electric scooter’s battery and body will be checked for possible damage or impacts. The state of the wiring will also be evaluated, and the presence of an auxiliary battery will be verified, along with measuring its voltage.
- Approval Sticker: Electric scooters that pass the technical inspection will be adorned with a sticker, affirming their optimal operational condition.
These regulatory updates are crafted to ensure the safety and quality standards of electric scooters in circulation, while simultaneously reinforcing regulatory control.
Tightened Restrictions in Public Transportation
Over recent months, restrictions on the use of electric scooters in public transportation have tightened in various Spanish cities: In Madrid, electric scooters can only be transported on Cercanías trains if they are folded and do not obstruct the mobility of other passengers. In Sevilla, electric scooters can be used during weekends and weekdays, except during peak hours or when passenger occupancy is high. In Barcelona, access to electric scooters on public transportation remains indefinitely prohibited.
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