Spain's government has approved a reform to its General Traffic Regulations, making helmets compulsory for all e-scooter users nationwide and establishing a minimum age of 15. The new rules, part of a broader road safety package, aim to standardize regulations across the country.
The new regulations aim to enhance road safety for e-scooter riders and other vulnerable road users by establishing uniform rules across Spain, addressing concerns over increasing accidents and varying local ordinances.
Spain has implemented stricter regulations for e-scooter users, making helmets mandatory nationwide and setting a minimum riding age of 15. The reform, approved by the government, is part of a comprehensive road safety package aimed at protecting vulnerable road users. Previously, rules regarding helmet use and minimum age varied significantly between municipalities, leading to a lack of standardization.
Under the new rules, e-scooter riders must also keep their lights on during periods of poor visibility and at night, when reflective clothing or accessories will be mandatory. Failure to adhere to these regulations can result in fines of up to 200 euros. The Interior Ministry stated that the changes are intended to update traffic regulations to reflect developments over the past two decades.
Additional measures in the road safety package include requirements for motorcyclists to wear protective gloves and closed footwear. The regulations for overtaking cyclists and stationary vehicles have also been tightened, mandating drivers to slow down and maintain a safe lateral distance. New provisions for emergency situations, traffic jams, and snowfall, such as creating corridors for emergency services, have also been introduced.
Most of the new measures will come into effect on October 1, 2026. However, the requirements for e-scooter lights and reflective elements, along with mandatory gloves for motorcyclists on interurban roads, will be implemented later, on October 1, 2027, to allow users time to adapt.