Thirty scooters impounded and nearly twenty fines issued in Alicante show that new regulations for personal mobility vehicles have caught many people off guard.
The Alicante Local Police launched an information and enforcement campaign ahead of new Spanish Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) rules for electric scooters, which come into force on 1st October. During an operation in Plaza de España, officers intercepted 30 personal mobility vehicles (PMVs) and issued nearly 20 citations.
Most fines were for unregistered vehicles, with 13 users caught riding scooters that were not registered with the Directorate General of Traffic. Additionally, three fines were issued for failing to wear a helmet, and three others related to technical conditions and exceeding the maximum permitted speed of 25 kilometres per hour. Local Police announced that checks will continue over coming weeks and extend into October across various locations in Alicante.
Under the regulations, riders must be at least 15 years old, wear an approved helmet, and use reflective gear at night or in low-visibility conditions. Reflective vests are mandatory in low visibility and must be worn at all times by professional riders, such as delivery drivers. Scooters must have front and rear lights switched on at night or during reduced visibility, though 24-hour light requirements will not apply until October 2027. Scooters are banned from intercity roads and limited to segregated spaces like bike lanes or intercity cycle paths. Since 2nd January 2026, civil liability insurance, a circulation certificate, and registration in the DGT Vehicle Registry are mandatory.
Officers are also monitoring mobile phone use, headphones, and alcohol or drug consumption. Fines range from 100 euro for minor offences to 500 euro for severe violations. The circulation certificate must accompany the scooter, which must feature a metal identification plate anchored to its frame. Mandatory insurance requires minimum cover of 6.45 million euro per claim for personal injury and 1.3 million euro for material damage.
Rules have also changed for cyclists. On intercity roads, helmet exemptions are eliminated, making helmets compulsory for all cyclists. Professional cyclists must wear helmets and reflective vests at all times. Non-compliance is a serious offence carrying a 200 euro fine. In urban areas, cyclists should ride in the centre of the lane, with motor vehicles behind required to maintain a five-metre minimum distance.
Councillor for Security, Julio Calero, confirmed checks will continue across Alicante to ensure vehicles and riders comply with lights, reflectors, insurance, certification, helmet rules, age limits, and speed restrictions.
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