Thousands of electric scooters currently seen on the streets and cycle lanes of Alicante have a literal expiry date programmed into their calendar. It is not a recommendation or a simple maintenance warning; it is a strict legal limit. Users of Personal Mobility Vehicles (VMP) purchased before 2024 are facing an unavoidable countdown, as current regulations prevent private individuals from legalising these older models once a specific grace period ends.
According to the DGT (Directorate-General for Traffic), models purchased before January 22nd 2024 often carry the European Conformity (CE) marking, which certifies the safety of electrical components. However, they lack the specific technical road safety certification now required by Spanish traffic authorities. While these older vehicles have been granted a moratorium allowing them to remain in use until January 22nd 2027, their legal life will end on that day. After this date, riding them on public roads will be entirely prohibited.
A common question amongst affected owners in Alicante is whether they can take their current scooter to a public body or a workshop to have it certified and “legalised”. The technical answer is a firm no. The certification process must be carried out by the manufacturer, not the owner. For many commercial brands, it is simply not profitable to fund the certification for discontinued or older models. Consequently, these scooters are left unprotected by the system.
From January 2nd 2026, all electric scooters must also be insured. For a vehicle to be fully compliant and registered with the DGT, it must feature a permanent, legible metal plate or label. This tag must display the serial number, make, model, and the mandatory DGT certificate number.
Authorities in Alicante have also issued a warning regarding the second-hand market. Many older scooters are still being sold privately, but buyers should be aware that these vehicles have their months numbered on public roads. Fines for non-compliance with the new mobility rules can range from 100 euro to 500 euro, and local police in Alicante have the power to impound vehicles that do not meet the legal requirements once the deadlines pass.
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