The traffic regulations in Spain continue to evolve to adapt to the growth of sustainable mobility. The Government has approved a modification of the General Traffic Regulations that introduces new measures aimed at enhancing the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and users of personal mobility vehicles (PMV), such as Scooters.
Most of these measures will come into effect on October 1, 2026, providing an adaptation period for both users and administrations.
Yes you use a bicycle, an ebike, or an electric scooter in your daily commutes, these are the main changes you should know.
Greater prominence for vulnerable users
For the first time, the regulations incorporate the concept of "vulnerable road user", which includes those groups at greater risk of injury in the event of an accident.
Among them are:
- Pedestrians.
- Cyclists.
- Users of Scooters and other personal mobility vehicles.
The goal is to design safer traffic, especially in urban environments where different forms of mobility coexist.
Changes for bicycles and ebikes
The Helmet will be mandatory on interurban roads
One of the main New Arrivals affects those who ride bicycles or ebikes outside cities.
With the new regulations, some of the existing exceptions will disappear, and the use of the Helmet will be mandatory on all interurban roads.
Additionally, those who use the bicycle as a Tool for work must always wear:
- Helmet.
- Reflective vest.
Failure to comply may result in financial penalties.
More Protection when overtaking a cyclist
The rules also change for vehicles overtaking bicycles or ebikes.
On interurban roads, it will be mandatory to:
- Reduce speed by at least 20 km/h below the road limit.
- Completely change lanes when there are two or more lanes in each direction.
This measure aims to increase safety distance and reduce the risk of accidents during overtaking.
Cyclists gain prominence in the city
In urban areas, the regulations recognize the importance of cyclists riding visibly and safely.
For this reason, they may preferentially use the center of the lane when circumstances advise, thus improving their visibility in front of the rest of the traffic.
Additionally, vehicles traveling behind must maintain a greater safety distance.
Changes for users of Scooters
Personal mobility vehicles also incorporate new obligations.
Minimum age of 15 years
The regulation sets the minimum age at 15 years to drive an electric scooter in Spain.
This aims to unify criteria and increase the safety of younger users.
The Helmet becomes mandatory
The use of a Helmet will be mandatory for all drivers of Scooters.
Although many cities already required it through municipal ordinances, it will now become part of the state regulations.
Using an approved Helmet continues to be one of the best ways to reduce injuries in case of a fall.
Lights always on
Scooters must circulate with the lighting system on to improve their visibility, even during the day when so established by the regulations.
Being seen by other road users is one of the keys to preventing accidents.
Reflective vest in low visibility conditions
When traveling at night or with low visibility, it will be mandatory to use a reflective vest.
In the case of professionals who use the scooter as a Tool for work, this element must be worn throughout the entire workday.
Traveling outside the city
The new regulation also clarifies that Scooters may only travel outside urban areas on paths segregated from motorized traffic, such as bike lanes or designated cycling paths.
They cannot use conventional roads sharing space with motor vehicles.
A safer urban mobility
These modifications aim to adapt the legislation to the growth of electric mobility and promote safer coexistence among all road users.
The increase in the use of bicycles, ebikes, and Scooters makes it necessary to update the rules to reduce accidents and promote sustainable travel.
In addition to complying with the legislation, it is recommended to always use quality safety equipment:
- Helmet. You can see our models by ewheel.es/collections/cascos-y-protecciones" target="_blank" title="Helmets for Scooters and bicycles" rel="noopener">clicking here.
- Lighting. You can see our rechargeable lights byewheel.es/collections/luces-recargables-patinete" target="_blank" title="Autonomous auxiliary rechargeable lights for electric scooter and bicycle" rel="noopener"> clicking here.
- Vest or reflective elements. You can see our reflective elements by ewheel.es/collections/chaleco-y-reflectante" target="_blank" title="Vests and reflective elements for Scooters " rel="noopener">clicking here.
- Bell or horn. You can see our bells or horns by ewheel.es/collections/electronica-timbres-y-claxon-patinete" target="_blank" title="Bells and Horns for electric scooter and bicycle" rel="noopener">clicking here.
- Brakes and tires in good condition. Check ewheel.es/collections/Brakes-patinete" target="_blank" title="Brakes, pads, levers, discs,... for electric scooter" rel="noopener">our Brakes or ewheel.es/collections/Wheel-patinete" target="_blank" title="All components for the Wheels of your electric scooter: Tire, Inner tube, rims,..." rel="noopener">our tires.
A periodic vehicle inspection is also essential to ensure safe driving.
Conclusion
The new measures represent another step towards more orderly and safer urban mobility.
Although most changes will not be mandatory until October 2026, knowing them in advance will allow bicycle, ebike, and Scooters users to progressively adapt to the new regulations.
Riding responsibly, keeping the vehicle in good condition, and using the appropriate equipment will continue to be the best way to enjoy safe electric mobility.