Electric scooters (patinetes eléctricos) are everywhere in Spain — Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Málaga and every coastal town. But the rules changed significantly at the start of 2026. Insurance is now mandatory, and riders who ignore the new requirements face fines of up to €800.
On 24 July 2025, Spain passed Law 5/2025 on civil liability and insurance for motor vehicle circulation. This was followed by Royal Decree 52/2026, which set the implementation date. From 2 January 2026, all electric scooters classified as Personal Mobility Vehicles (VMP — Vehículo de Movilidad Personal) must carry mandatory civil liability insurance and be registered with the DGT.
This is a major shift. Previously, VMPs under 25 km/h were exempt from insurance requirements. That exemption is now gone.
Spain's DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) classifies electric scooters as VMPs. The key rules:
Yes — since 2 January 2026, insurance is mandatory for all electric scooters in Spain.
Under Law 5/2025, every VMP circulating on public roads must have a valid civil liability insurance policy. The minimum coverage levels are the same as for cars:
Riding without insurance can result in fines of €250 to €800, and you remain personally liable for any damage or injury you cause.
Before you can take out insurance, your scooter must be registered in the DGT's VMP Registry. Registration can be done electronically through the DGT's online portal (Sede Electrónica). You will need:
Once registered, you will receive an identification tag that must be visibly displayed on the scooter.
If you bought your electric scooter before 22 January 2024, there is a moratorium (grace period) until 1 January 2027. During this period, you can continue riding without registration or certification. However, we strongly recommend getting insured now regardless — the financial risk of an uninsured accident far outweighs the cost of a policy.
For scooters weighing over 25 kg that exceed 14 km/h, the deadline was earlier — insurance was required by 26 January 2026, even without prior registration.
Electric scooter theft is extremely common in Spanish cities. Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia are the worst-affected areas. Tips to reduce your risk:
Standard pedal-assist e-bikes (up to 250W, assisting only to 25 km/h) are not classified as VMPs and do not require mandatory insurance under the current law. However, speed pedelecs and more powerful e-bikes that exceed these limits may fall under VMP or moped classifications and would need insurance.
No. Since 2 January 2026, all electric scooters must have civil liability insurance. Riding without it can result in fines of €250–€800.
Basic third-party liability starts from around €30–€60 per year. Comprehensive cover including theft and own damage typically costs €100–€180 per year.
Yes. All VMPs must be registered in the DGT's National Vehicle Register. Registration costs €8.67 and can be done online through the DGT's electronic office.
Scooters purchased before 22 January 2024 have a grace period until 1 January 2027. After that date, registration, certification and insurance will be required for all VMPs without exception.
Some home insurance policies include limited civil liability for VMPs, but most do not meet the legal minimums required by Law 5/2025. Check with your insurer — in most cases you will need a standalone VMP policy.
Ride an electric scooter in Spain? Get insured from €30/year — mandatory civil liability, theft and accident cover, all arranged in English.
See also: Electric Scooter Insurance Spain | Bicycle Insurance
Quick answers on insurance in spain
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