New scooter rules kick in across Spain as insurance becomes a reality for some riders
What changes from Monday, who needs cover now and what remains on hold
If you use an electric scooter in Spain, you may already be used to rules changing, being delayed, then changing again. This week, however, one of the biggest shifts yet has finally arrived, and for some riders there is no longer any grace period.From Monday January 26, the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) has officially brought in new requirements for electric scooters and other personal mobility vehicles, marking the end of a long transition phase that has been discussed for months.
The headline change is insurance, but not everyone needs it yet. Under Law 5/2025, only scooters classed as heavier or more powerful are affected for now. That means models weighing more than 25 kilos, or those designed to exceed 14 km/h, must now have civil liability insurance in place to continue using public roads. As the DGT has made clear, “the transition period has ended and compliance is now mandatory”.
Lighter, slower scooters are temporarily exempt. If your scooter weighs under 25 kilos and does not exceed 14 km/h, insurance is not yet required. This exemption exists because there is still no national system in place to register all scooters, something the DGT has openly acknowledged will need a new royal decree before it can happen.
Importantly, even those scooters that do need insurance will not have to be registered, and number plates are not being introduced at this stage. The DGT has confirmed there is currently “no operational national registry” capable of handling this.
What will apply to all scooters, regardless of size, is the controversial V16 flashing emergency light, which becomes compulsory in the same way it already is for cars. Despite criticism of the device, the requirement is going ahead.
Riders who ignore the new rules risk fines of between 200 and 1,000 euros. The insurance itself is managed through the Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros (Spain’s Insurance Compensation Consortium) and only covers injury to third parties. Any damage to your own scooter or other property remains the rider’s responsibility.
There is another change on the horizon too. The DGT is pressing ahead with plans to require a circulation certificate for all scooters. Those bought before January 21, 2024 have until 2027 to comply, while any purchased after that date must already have the certificate.
For many riders, especially those who have been following the debate for months, this will feel like the rules finally catching up with reality. The key message from the authorities is simple: check your scooter’s weight and speed, know where you stand, and avoid an expensive surprise.
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