Huge warning to Brits heading to Spain next year as they face £860 fine | World | News
Electric scooters have become a common sight on Spain’s city streets in recent years – weaving through traffic, saving commuters money, and offering a quick, eco-friendly way to get around. But that sense of freedom on two wheels is about to face stricter control. From January 2, 2026, new traffic regulations will come into effect, and riders who ignore them could face hefty penalties. Spain’s General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) has announced that electric scooters will be officially classified as light personal vehicles, meaning they’ll fall under the same legal framework as motorbikes and cars in terms of safety standards and insurance requirements.
Until now, riding an e-scooter in Spain has been almost consequence-free – no licence, no insurance, and in many cases, no accountability. But starting in 2026, owners of most electric scooters must take out civil liability insurance to cover damage or injuries caused to others. The annual cost of this new insurance will reportedly range from €20 to €100, depending on the level of coverage. British heading to Spain next year are warned that those caught riding without it could be fined up to €1,000 (£860).
The change follows a rise in scooter-related accidents across Spain and increasing public frustration over the absence of clear regulations.
According to the government, the aim is to improve road safety and guarantee that anyone involved in an accident receives proper protection.
For years, pedestrians and drivers have complained that scooters have become a hazard rather than a convenience. Authorities hope that with clearer rules, Spanish roads will finally become safer and more orderly.
The new law don’t apply to every e-scooter.
To fall under the rule, the scooter must:
- Be a motorised vehicle with one or more wheels
- Reach between 6 and 25 km/h if it weighs less than 25 kg
- Or reach between 6 and 14 km/h if it’s heavier than that
The scooter must also have a circulation certificate, be registered in the DGT’s official vehicle database, and display a visible identification plate.
Alongside the new insurance rule, riders will still need to follow existing safety measures: wearing a helmet, using reflective clothing when riding at night, and sticking to one rider per scooter.
