Spain's e-scooter helmet rule starts on 1 October
Spain’s e-scooter riders face new rules from 1 October 2026: they must be at least 15 and wear an approved, properly fastened helmet. The changes are part of a wider overhaul of Spain’s road rules, reported by Europa Press in Madrid. Drivers, cyclists and motorcyclists face changes too.
More room for cyclists
Drivers overtaking a bicycle, moped, e-scooter, pedestrian or animal must leave at least 1.5 metres of space. Where a road has more than one lane in the same direction, they must move fully into another lane to overtake. In towns and cities, motor vehicles must also stay at least five metres behind a cyclist travelling ahead in the same lane.
If a broken-down or other stopped vehicle blocks all or part of a lane, passing drivers must leave 1.5 metres and slow to at least 20 km/h below the speed limit.
Cyclists must use the road where there is no cycle lane or other route set aside for them. They should ride near the middle of the lane when it is safe. Pavements remain off limits as a general rule, though local authorities can make exceptions.
New kit for scooters and motorbikes
E-scooter riders must wear at least one light or reflective item visible from 150 metres between sunset and sunrise, or when weather or other conditions seriously reduce visibility. The requirement to switch on the scooter’s lights during the day does not start until 1 October 2027.
Motorbike and moped riders and passengers must wear protective gloves on roads outside towns and closed shoes on all roads. Motorbikes must carry a high-visibility reflective vest. Motorbike helmets must meet the UNECE R22 standard, with mopeds given a further year to comply.
A clear path through traffic jams
When traffic on a motorway or dual carriageway is almost at a standstill, drivers must leave a passage for emergency vehicles. On a road with two lanes in each direction, it runs between them. With three or more lanes, it runs between the left-hand lane and the one beside it.
Motorbikes may use the right-hand hard shoulder during a traffic jam only on stretches approved and signposted for that purpose. They must travel in single file at no more than 30 km/h, without putting people who need to use the shoulder at risk.
More on this topic: Traffic on Mallorca
Topics: Traffic · Politics · Economy
Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com