Electric scooter crashes into car, then speeds away. Yes – This can happen to you

On a calm afternoon, returning from Calpe to Moraira should have been unremarkable. One local was in a state of shock. While he was slowed down at a roundabout a young rider of an electric scooter crashed into the side his car. As he was shocked, he stopped, expecting that the young rider would also stop to assess the problem. Before he had a chance to get out, the boy was already speeding down the road.

No apology.
No exchange of information
There is no way to identify the man.

Why no number plate? He was frustrated. Why no helmet? Where are the police when we need them?

His story, unfortunately, is far from unique.

Costa Blanca road traffic problems are growing

Electric scooters – known as patinetes eléctricos – have exploded in popularity in recent years across Spain, particularly in coastal towns like Calpe, Moraira, Benidorm and Torrevieja where they are used by teens, tourists and workers alike. Cheap, quiet and easy-to-ride, they are a popular choice for teens, tourists, and workers. Regulation has not kept up with the pace.

Electric scooters are currently not covered by insurance, do not have number plates and are not considered motorbikes. In the event of an accident, it’s almost impossible to track a rider until they stop.

And, as seen in Moraira – they often don’t.

Why there’s no number plate – Why it matters

Residents are frustrated by the fact that electric scooters do not have any visible identification. Electric scooters don’t have to be registered, unlike cars, mopeds or motorbikes. motor vehicles under national law. They are classified as “personal mobility vehicles”, meaning:

No number plate

No Registration

If the rider flees, there is no way to track them down

Who is to blame for these accidents?

As with bikes or cars, the legal responsibility for the accident depends on who was at fault.
The law cannot hold anyone accountable without identification.

Local police admit that this situation can frustrate victims. Even when police officers see dangerous behavior, they cannot act until the rider has been stopped. Scooter riders can also disappear through pedestrian lanes and side streets.

Helmet Rules? The Town Depends on Helmet Rules

Many residents assume helmets are compulsory nationwide – but they’re not.
Every city or municipality sets their own rules.

• Barcelona: Helmet It is a good idea to use a bilingual translator mandatory.
• ValenciaSources vary, but a helmet appears to be mandatory.
• Benidorm & Alicante Province towns: rules vary from street to street and are often not well communicated.

Moraira, Calpe and the surrounding areas. local police do run occasional awareness campaignsBut because the rules are not consistently enforced, many riders ignore them.

Change is coming – but slowly

Spain has finally approved a law that will require electric scooter riders to have compulsory insurance – but it doesn’t come into effect until January 2026.

After that date

• Insurance is required for riders, just as it is with cars or motorbikes.
• Municipalities will have the power to fine scooters without insurance.
• Crashs will become Legally traceable.

From 2027 onwards, only certified scooters with proper braking, lighting and safety standards will be allowed to circulate.

For residents of places like Moraira today, this feels a long time away.

What can drivers do while they wait?

The police will advise you if a scooter strikes your car, then flees.

1. Note the time, location and direction of escape.
2. Check CCTV (shops urbanisations public street cameras)
3. Report the incident – even if there is no visible damage.
   Reports are useful for authorities to track down problem areas, repeat offenders and other information.
4. Call local police immediately if the rider is still in sight – they You can also find out more about us on our website. Send a patrol

Residents want more than anything else: basic responsibility. They demand helmets, respect for the road’s priority, and an easy way to identify riders who are causing harm.

Until 2026, accountability depends largely on education, awareness and local enforcement – and many feel that isn’t enough.

As one reader stated: “He struck my car and there was nothing I could have done.” It doesn’t seem right.

Many people in Moraira and Calpe are asking themselves the same question. If you want to know more about this, please contact us. Spain will regulate more strictly – but why it’s taking so long.