Are there fines for not registering an E-Scooter or having no insurance?
The Spanish traffic authorities are backing the new e-scooter rules, with significant fines and enforcement measures:
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Riding without a registered scooter can result in fines ranging from about €250 to €800.
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Operating without mandatory insurance could result in fines up to €1,000.
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In some cases, vehicles may be immobilised until proof of insurance is shown.
These penalties make clear that insurance isn’t just recommended, it’s essential for anyone who wants to continue using their scooter legally.
Do E-Scooters have to be registered in Spain?
The simple answer is yes. Historically, electric scooters in Spain were treated differently across cities and regions, causing confusion for riders and inconsistent enforcement. With safety concerns rising — including accidents involving pedestrians and other road users — the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) moved to create national standards that cover usage, equipment, speed limits, registration, and insurance.
The legislative foundation includes Ley 5/2025, which introduces compulsory civil liability insurance for light personal vehicles, and a related Royal Decree establishing a national registry for these vehicles.
What is Mandatory E-Scooter insurance?
Civil liability insurance, commonly referred to as third-party insurance, has historically been optional for e-scooters in Spain.
Key insurance requirements:
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Every registered electric scooter must carry valid civil liability insurance covering damages to people and property caused during use.
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Policies must meet minimum coverage standards, which are substantial:
• At least €6.45 million per incident for personal injury
• At least €1.3 million for property damage
— mirroring similar requirements for cars.
If a policy doesn’t meet these thresholds, it may be considered invalid under the law, even if technically labelled as “insurance.”
Why Do I have to register my E-Scooter?
From January 2026 onward, all electric scooters must be recorded in the new National Vehicle Register managed by the DGT before being used on public roads.
Registration key points:
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Every scooter must be linked to its owner and carry an official identification number and visible tag issued by the DGT.
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Models certified by the DGT, which meet defined technical standards, are straightforward to register online.
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For older or non-certified scooters, temporary registration is possible with supporting documents like purchase invoices or technical sheets — but this is only valid until January 22, 2027. After that, only certified scooters will be legal on public roads.
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The registration fee set by the DGT is €8.67 per vehicle.
Registration serves as the foundation for both legal compliance and insurance linkage.
