Personal Mobility Vehicles( PMVs), like electric scooters, Segway’s or e-bikes, are no longer an unusual sight in everyday traffic, however, their legal status in Spain is not clear. Up to now there is no national regulation by the Spanish Traffic Agency (DGT) and the use of these vehicles are regulated by the local townhalls. At present, DGT only gives recommendations to the townhalls, such as that the PMVs should drive on the street not on the pavement. Likewise, DGT recommends that electric scooters which are used for economic activities, like rental scooters, should sign a municipal permit that regulates things like, routes and schedules. However, the last decision is made by the local townhall. Therefore, it is always advisable to check the current regulations that apply in the city in which the electric scooter will be used in order to avoid unexpected surprises.
Toys
Toy scooters which are moved forward with the foot with a maximum speed of 6 km/h, they may only drive on pavements, and they do not need any permit, certificate or registration.
PMVs.
They are vehicles. Electric scooters reaching a maximum velocity of 25 km/h. They cannot drive on pavements, only on the road.
If the PMV is used by a disabled person, it can be driven on the pavement as long as it is at walking speed.
Drivers of PMVs can be fined for using a mobile phone and for the consumption of alcohol or drugs while driving the vehicle.
The electric scooter must have a circulation certificate issued by the manufacturer. No licence plate is needed for this type of scooter.
DGT recommend the use of a reflective vest and to have the vehicle fully insured, in Almuñecar both are mandatory.
L1E.
Electric scooters with a maximum speed over 25 km/h, are considered as motor vehicles, like mopeds (European category L1e-A).
They must use the urban roads, never the pavement, liability insurance is mandatory, and the driver must wear a helmet.
A road tax and a regular technical inspection is not necessary for these types of PMVs,at the moment.
Insurance
Currently, the local townhalls determine whether a liability insurance must be completed or not. In Almuñecar it is compulsory.
Without an insurance the driver will be personally liable for all damage caused.
What to do in case of an accident with an electric scooter?
1) If you are victim of an accident with an electric scooter:
- In case of injured persons call 112 to send an ambulance.
- Identify the driver and ask for his personal data. (As the electrical scooter doesn’t need to be registered, the identification is sometimes not easy).
- Search for witnesses. Take photos.
- Try to solve the incident in a friendly way. Ask for insurance details.
2) If you suffer an accident as the driver of an electric scooter:
- If you have no insurance, you cannot complete the mutual declaration of accident (parte amistoso). The presence of the Police will be necessary to make a report stating the culprit.
- You have the right to be compensated for the suffered injuries and the damages caused to your electric scooter.
- Look for a lawyer who defends your interests against the vehicle insurance.
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