New E-Scooter Rules to Affect Riders Across the Vega Baja from October

Starting October 1, electric scooter riders across Vega Baja will face stricter safety regulations. The changes apply to riders in Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, Guardamar, Rojales, Pilar de la Horadada and all other municipalities within the region. Local police will enforce these rules on urban roads, though councils may impose additional restrictions through municipal traffic ordinances.

Among the key changes, the minimum age for riding an electric scooter is now 15. All riders must wear an approved protective helmet, and failure to do so will result in a €200 fine. At night or in poor visibility, riders must wear a reflective vest or other approved reflective garment. Scooters used for professional purposes, like food delivery, must always have reflective clothing while in use, and the scooter's lights must remain on while riding.

Police can verify that scooters have functioning lights and the required reflectors, with violations attracting a €200 penalty.

The maximum speed for personal mobility vehicles is set at 25 kilometers per hour. Any modified scooters capable of higher speeds may be deemed non-compliant and immobilized by police. Existing registration and insurance requirements remain in effect; owners must register their scooters in the DGT’s National Vehicle Register and obtain compulsory liability insurance before riding. Registered scooters receive an identification number, which must be displayed on the vehicle.

Scooters sold since January 22, 2024, must have a DGT-recognized certificate proving compliance with technical and safety standards. Older scooters without certification can still be used until January 22, 2027, but must be registered and insured. After this date, uncertified models will no longer be permitted on public roads.

Electric scooters are single-person vehicles and cannot carry passengers. They are prohibited on pavements, pedestrian-only areas, motorways, dual carriageways, urban tunnels, and other roads where personal mobility vehicles are restricted. Outside built-up areas, their use is limited to specially designated routes, such as authorized cycle lanes. Within towns, the available routes depend on each council's mobility ordinance and local signs.

Riders must not use handheld mobile phones or headphones that interfere with awareness of surrounding traffic while riding. Alcohol and drug restrictions apply, with penalties including fines and immobilized vehicles. Refusing to undergo an alcohol or drug test can also lead to serious consequences. Other punishable behaviors include reckless riding, ignoring traffic lights, traveling against traffic, and using a scooter in prohibited areas.

Fines for municipal offenses may range up to €500, depending on the specific ordinance applied by the council.

Local police forces across Vega Baja are expected to intensify their focus on scooter safety following the implementation of the new national rules. Their inspections may include riders' ages, helmet usage, reflective clothing, speed, lights, insurance, registration, and vehicle identification. Companies renting electric scooters should inform customers whether helmets are provided. If a rental company fails to supply a helmet, the customer remains responsible for obtaining one, or they may face a €200 fine.