New Insurance Requirement for Electric Scooter Users in Spain
Starting January 2, 2026, all electric scooter users in Spain must have mandatory insurance. This marks a significant change as electric scooters gain popularity as an affordable and sustainable urban transport solution. Previously, insurance for these vehicles was largely voluntary except in a few cities such as Alicante and Cordoba. The new law places electric scooters under the category of light personal vehicles (LPVs). It coveres scooters, segways, electric unicycles, and hoverboards with specified speed and weight limits. Insurance costs are expected to range from 20 to 100 euros annually, reflecting increased coverage requirements. All electric scooter users will need mandatory insurance in Spain in New Year.
Expanded Coverage and Legal Requirements
The mandated insurance will have coverage requirements similar to third-party car insurance, including at least 6.45 million euros for personal injury claims and 1.3 million euros for property damage per accident. This increased coverage raises the stakes for insurers, who are currently working to develop compliant policies. Additionally, regulations require scooters to display identification stickers with registration numbers and maintain a circulation certificate. These measures aim to enhance accountability and facilitate owner identification in the case of uninsured vehicles. However, the full technical regulations are still pending approval, which complicates immediate insurance purchases for users mandatory scooter insurance is now on a par with third-party car insurance.
Challenges and Market Impact
The regulations come with challenges, notably uncertainty about insurance pricing, which is likely to increase over voluntary insurance rates. Moreover, the exact number of electric scooters in use is unclear, with estimates around five million vehicles nationwide. Delivery riders, who heavily rely on scooters and motorcycles, express concern over the new expenses and seek financial support from employers to cover insurance and registration costs. This reflects a broader transition period where users and the industry adjust to stricter safety and legal standards, balancing scooter convenience with increased regulatory burdens Delivery riders will demand compensation to cover this expense.
