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There are more and more electric scooters and E bikes circulating in Spain and with it comes important new laws designed to protect riders and the public alike. From 2nd January 2026, all owners of electric scooters and certain electric bicycles will be required by law to have third-party liability insurance before they can legally ride on Spanish roads.
Why the Change?
Electric scooters and e-bikes have become a popular and convenient way to get around but until now, many users could ride without any insurance. This has created a legal gap where pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers injured in accidents involving these vehicles often struggled to receive compensation, especially when the rider was uninsured or insolvent.
To address this problem the Spanish government has updated the Motor Insurance Law, aligning it with European Union standards thus giving protection for people being injured.
Which Vehicles Are Affected?
The insurance requirement applies to all personal mobility vehicles (PMVs) such as electric scooters and electric bicycles that:
- Have a motor exceeding 250 watts, or
- Can travel faster than 25 km/h, including those with accelerators or electric assistance without pedaling (classified as category L1e-B, similar to mopeds).
Traditional bicycles and electric bikes with pedal assistance capped at 25 km/h and a motor power of 250 watts or less are exempt from this obligation.
What Do Owners Need to Do?
- Register their scooter or e-bike with the Spanish Traffic Authority (DGT) in a new national registry. This will include details like make, model, and serial number.
- Obtain a certificate of circulation and display an identification label on the vehicle.
- Purchase liability insurance that covers personal injury and property damage to third parties, similar to car or motorcycle insurance policies.
Enforcement and Penalties
Riding without the mandatory insurance can result in fines of up to €1,000 and immobilisation of the bike. Illegal modifications, such as increasing a scooter’s speed beyond legal limits or carrying more than one rider, are also not allowed and you will get fined
What’s Next?
The new law will come into effect on 2nd January, 2026, but owners are encouraged to prepare early. Scooters and e-bikes sold after 22nd January, 2024, must already comply with safety standards, including speed limiters capped at 25 km/h.
This new law represents a major step forward in adapting to Spain’s traffic laws and the realities of modern urban mobility. By ensuring that all users are properly insured and registered, Spain aims to improve road safety and guarantee fair compensation for accident victims.
If you own an electric scooter or a high-speed e-bike, make sure to stay informed and comply with these new rules to ride safely and legally in Spain starting next year!
About Our Team
At The Insurance Centre, we’ve been helping clients since 1999 with friendly, professional, and multilingual insurance services tailored especially for expatriates in Spain. We work with top-tier, reputable insurance providers and have proudly received awards for excellence in customer service and expat insurance for the past 10 years.
We are fully registered with the Dirección General de Seguros (DGS) and are members of the Colegio de Mediadores. Our team speaks English, Spanish, French, and Swedish, ensuring clear and confident communication with clients from around the world.
