British bar with mobility scooters outside in Benidorm.
Credit: Shutterstock
Benidorm is a popular Spanish town located on the Costa Blanca. It’s the birthplace of a new and wild tourist trend.
Benidorm has been a favourite destination for European tourists for many years. It is famous for its partying all night and for its beautiful beaches. And especially among British holidaymakers, fascinated by Benidorm’s €1 beers.
What’s in the news now are scooters, not the nightlife, or cheap beer.
Benidorm streets are filled with chaos as mobility scooters take over the streets
Benidorm is a popular destination for tourists, particularly young Brits. They are riding large four-wheeled mobility scooters that were designed to help the elderly and disabled.
You can rent them easily. They are available from dozens of Benidorm businesses. There’s one catch, though: You need to be at least 55 years old or have a disability certificate to ride a scooter.
Credit: Amigo 24 website
Many users, however, are neither. They’re looking for an easy (and fun) way to travel around the city, especially after drinking.
What the law says
This local ordinance clearly states that you must be 55 years old or have a medically-approved reason for using these mobility scooters.
It is important to always carry your rental agreement. Mobility scooters can only be used by one person. It is not allowed to transport another person. It is also forbidden to drive on steep hills (more than 5%).
Break the rules, and you could be hit with fines up to €500 — not just for using the scooters illegally, but for speeding or reckless driving.
It’s not a mere threat. The local police has already begun cracking down on the crime, particularly after residents and business owners complained.
Speed, alcohol and bad decisions
Lee Cartwright, Mobility Expert from Mobility Solutions Direct Tell British media
These scooters are for people with walking problems. “If you are able to walk without one and do not have a permit, you should avoid riding a mobility scooter in order to avoid a fine,” said he for BristolLive.
He said that misuse of scooters is on the rise, especially by young Brits who use them to go to bars or clubs instead of paying taxis. Many of them even ride under the influences, which is as illegal as driving drunk in a vehicle.
Cartwright said that some riders are reckless, weaving in and out of traffic, driving too close to other drivers, or not paying attention to their surroundings.
Not only is it illegal, but it’s also dangerous. Cartwright says that young British tourists drive these scooters up to 60 km/h despite the 15 km/h maximum speed.
Are you using scooters legally? Never leave the keys in!
Even those using scooters in a legal manner were advised to never leave their keys inside the scooter. Your insurance may not cover it if the scooter is stolen.
Be aware if you are going to Benidorm in the summer. A seemingly harmless shortcut can cost you hundreds of Euros or worse cause an accident.
Ask yourself these questions before you get on a four-wheeled Benidorm scooter:
“Do you really need a scooter — or are you just avoiding the walk back from the bar?”
Read here more about life in Spain.