Benidorm Shopper’s Close Call with Mobility Scooter

A young woman visiting Benidorm found herself in a startling situation while shopping in a supermarket - she claims she narrowly avoided being hit by a mobility scooter. In a video posted on Instagram, the Instagram user Irene del Río recounted the incident, saying, "Something surreal has just happened to me in Benidorm. I was nearly run over inside a supermarket."

The scooter in question was one of the electric mobility scooters commonly found in the popular Costa Blanca resort. While these scooters offer essential independence to the elderly and those with limited mobility, their misuse by some tourists has raised concerns among residents and pedestrians. Del Río alleged that some scooter users fail to pay attention to their surroundings, speeding through shops and supermarkets without looking.

She also recounted seeing individuals exiting bars with alcohol before boarding a mobility scooter and departing. The video concluded with a broader critique of the safety of these vehicles and a claim that their usage is unregulated. However, Benidorm does have municipal rules governing the use of self-propelled wheelchairs and rented mobility scooters.

In March 2026, the City Council initiated an information campaign targeting rental companies following numerous complaints about improper behavior. According to the rules, rented self-propelled mobility chairs can only be supplied to individuals over the age of 65 or those with a recognized physical disability that limits their mobility.

Users are required to traverse pavements and pedestrian areas at a walking pace and must not obstruct pedestrians, traffic, or building entrances when parked. Operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited. Rental businesses must possess a municipal license and carry civil liability insurance with a minimum coverage of €60,000 per vehicle.

Despite these regulations, complaints continue to arise. Francis Muñoz, Benidorm's Councillor for Mobility, confirmed in March that violations still occur. The council reports that the most common issues involve excessive speed and scooters being driven in inappropriate locations, posing a potential danger to pedestrians. The recent social-media complaint has reignited discussions over whether the existing rules are being effectively enforced.

While mobility scooters remain crucial for those who genuinely require them, the incident has sparked calls for responsible user behavior and for authorities and rental companies to prevent these vehicles from being treated as recreational transport.