New national regulation for electric scooters: what owners must do from 2026

Nataliia Pivovarova
Oct 30
2 min read

Starting January 2, 2026, users of personal mobility vehicles (PMVs), such as electric scooters, will have to comply with new nationwide requirements set by Spain’s General Directorate of Traffic (DGT).

Who is affected

The regulation applies to so-called “light personal vehicles” (VPL), defined as single-person electric vehicles with a motor, under the following conditions:

If the vehicle weighs less than 25 kg, its maximum speed must be between 6 and 25 km/h.
If it weighs more than 25 kg, speed must range from 6 to 14 km/h.Electric bicycles with pedal assistance (EPAC) under 250 W and 25 km/h are excluded.

Main requirements for legal circulation

From January 2, 2026, it will be mandatory to:

Have civil liability insurance for the electric scooter.
Register the vehicle in the National Registry of Personal Mobility Vehicles managed by the DGT.
Obtain a circulation certificate and display a visible identification plate (similar to a license plate).
Ensure that the scooter meets all technical and homologation requirements.New models must already comply with certification rules (since January 2024), and older ones have until 2027 to adapt.

Insurance coverage and penalties

Minimum coverage: €6,450,000 for personal injury and €1,300,000 for property damage per accident.
Estimated insurance cost: between €15 and €90 per year, depending on coverage.
Riding without insurance may result in fines of up to €1,000 and even vehicle immobilization.

Implementation timeline

The law was approved in July 2025 and published in the Official State Gazette (BOE).
It comes into force on January 2, 2026.
A transition period of several months is expected to allow owners to obtain insurance and complete registration.
New models must comply with homologation from January 2024, and older models have until 2027.

What owners should do now

Check if their scooter or PMV meets the new definitions (weight, speed, and technical characteristics).
Arrange civil liability insurance in advance.
Prepare the necessary documents: invoice, serial number, model data, homologation certificate.
Follow DGT updates about the national registry and circulation certificate.
Check local regulations, as some municipalities may require helmets, minimum age, or specify circulation zones.

Purpose and impact of the law

The new regulation aims to improve safety, reduce accidents, and create a unified legal framework for electric scooters across Spain. It also establishes clearer responsibilities and protections for all road users.