Brits in Spain put on alert as popular means of transport set to require key document

Escooters in Spain (Image: Getty)

Electric scooter and e-bike owners will soon need to purchase specific insurance in order to ride on public roads in Spain. The new requirement will be effective as of January 2, 2026, according to Spain's official gazette the Boletín Oficial del Estado (BOE).

Both forms of transport have become increasingly popular across the country, offering a cheap, efficient and eco-friendly way to get around. However, their proliferation has seen an increase in concerns for safety and a call for clearer regulation. The new legislation aims to provide clarity and responsibility to this ever more popular mode of transport.

Local authorities in Benidorm issue a fresh warning for holidaymakers (Image: Getty)

According to the BOE, the new regulations will apply to any mechanically powered vehicle designed to travel on land, with a maximum manufacturing speed above 25 km/h, or weighing over 25kg with a maximum speed above 14 km/h.

Additionally it applies to trailers and semi-trailers used with these vehicles, whether attached or not, as well as motorcycles or pedal-assisted cycles with auxiliary propulsion capable of exceeding 25 km/h.

Any other vehicles falling under the EU category L1e-B (as defined by Regulation (EU) No 168/2013) are also impacted by the new regulations, as are pedal-assisted vehicles with auxiliary propulsion that can exceed 45 km/h.

Owners of any such vehicles in Spain will now have to take out and maintain an insurance policy covering civil liability up to the legal minimum.

There are some exemptions to the new regulations, which are as follows: vehicles officially de-registered and not in use as transport; light trailers and semi-trailers under 750kg.

Motor vehicles, during their manufacture or transport as goods, must have equivalent cover for damage liability in place.

Owners of vehicles that will now be classed as motor vehicles under the new regulations will be granted a six-month transitional period to obtain the necessary insurance.

During this time, owners will not face fines for lacking insurance, but these vehicles will still be considered uninsured.

Any accident compensation will be paid by Spain’s Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros, which may then reclaim costs from those responsible.

It comes as British holidaymakers heading to the popular seaside resort of Benidorm have been warned of a regulation which comes with a hefty price tag.

Local authorities are cracking down on mobility scooters, with those breaking the law facing a £425 fine.