Date Published: 13/08/2025
Alicante cracks down on electric scooter misuse with over 2,500 fines issued this year
Local police step up enforcement to keep pedestrians safe and promote responsible riding
Alicante is taking a firm stand on electric scooter safety, having handed out more than 2,500 fines so far this year for improper use of personal mobility vehicles (PMVs), which include electric scooters, skates, and skateboards. This comes as part of an intensified security effort by the Local Police and City Council to protect pedestrians and encourage responsible behaviour on the city’s streets.
Julio Calero, Councilor for Security, highlighted the scale of the operation, saying, “The Local Police, as part of its road safety and urban coexistence strategy, has stepped up monitoring of personal mobility vehicles, especially electric scooters, which have become increasingly common. This has resulted in over 2,500 fines issued this year.” He added that the focus remains on reducing violations and promoting safety.
Most fines relate to riders ignoring rules such as wearing helmets, riding in pedestrian zones, carrying passengers, or using headphones while riding. Specifically, there have been 806 fines for riding without a helmet, 440 for using pedestrian areas, 352 for unauthorised use, and 157 for wearing headphones. Other offences include running red lights or traffic signs, reckless driving, and even 26 fines for driving under the influence of alcohol.
The councilor pointed to recent enforcement campaigns as examples of this strategy in action. Between 15 and 30 March, a crackdown led to 315 reports mainly for riding in prohibited areas. Earlier that month, officers visited 117 schools to educate students on regulations and safe use of PMVs. “It is vital that riders know where and how to drive responsibly to comply with municipal laws and improve safety,” Calero said.
The City Council’s wider push includes the installation of new speed radars on key city access roads, successfully lowering limits to 50 km/h to reduce accidents. Calero noted the campaign also targets street cleaning issues, with 100 complaints about waste dumping addressed in 10 days.
Electric scooters remain banned on sidewalks, pedestrian walkways such as the Explanada de España, bike lanes, bus lanes, and the TRAM platform. Controls have taken place across many neighbourhoods and busy areas including Plaza de España, the Old Town, and beach promenades.
Fines for breaking rules can range between 100 and 500 euros. “Riders must give priority to pedestrians, wear helmets, avoid sidewalks and pedestrian zones, and respect the 25 km/h speed limit,” Calero insisted. He also recommended taking out insurance to cover accidents.
Image: JavyGo/Unsplash
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