Spain Mandates Helmets and Sets Minimum Age for Electric Scooter Users Nationwide

Spain's Council of Ministers has formally approved a national reform of General Traffic Regulations to establish a uniform framework for personal mobility vehicles, including electric scooters. Starting in October 2026, the new policy mandates a minimum user age of 15 years and requires the mandatory use of helmets across the entire country, eliminating the previous regional disparities where municipal ordinances dictated local traffic laws.

The Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) initiated this reform to address inconsistent rules that created legal uncertainty and safety risks for scooter users. Historically, municipal governments exercised varied authority over age requirements and safety equipment, leading to a fragmented regulatory landscape. By standardizing these criteria at the state level, the government seeks to improve enforcement and clarify safety expectations for both riders and municipal authorities.

The reform maintains existing prohibitions to further ensure road safety, including the ban on riding on pedestrian areas and sidewalks, the use of mobile phones or headphones while operating vehicles, and carrying multiple passengers. The state also continues to require alcohol and drug testing for riders when requested by law enforcement. As these new measures take effect in the coming months, authorities expect the homogenization of safety standards to significantly reduce the severity of injuries and provide clearer guidance for personal vehicle users across Spain.