Electric Scooter owners breathe easy as Spain delays fines – but not everyone is off the hook

The start of 2026 would be a shock for anyone who rides an electric scooter in Spain. Mandatory insurance, official registration, identification labels – and the threat of fines if you didn’t comply.

When 2 January 2026 comes around, the majority of riders will not be fined at all.

Spain’s traffic authority DGT has confirmed what was suspected by many: the system necessary to enforce new rules is not yet ready. And without it, the law can’t be applied – at least not yet.

For scooter users on a daily basis, this is a temporary reprieve. Others, and especially those who own heavier and faster vehicles find the situation more complicated.

Why the rules exist – and why they can’t be enforced yet

Electric scooters are not new. The law that created compulsory insurance for VMPs was published. Official State Gazette at the end of JulyEarly January 2026 is the target date.

The idea behind the registration, identification, and insurance of scooters was to help riders be more easily traced in case of an accident.

Just one problem. The national registration system does not work.

Riders without a functional registry will not be able to register their scooters or obtain a plate or identification number, nor can they take out the insurance associated with that registration. Both sets of implementing regulations – one covering insurance, the other covering the registry itself – have only recently closed their public consultation phases.

The DGT has stated the obvious. You cannot fine people who don’t do something technically impossible.

That’s why, on 2 January, police will not be able to penalise riders simply for lacking insurance or registration — because the legal mechanism to obtain them isn’t in place yet.

What is required of scooter riders?

The process will be clear once the system is running.

Owners of scooters will be issued an official identification plate or label after registering their vehicles with the Central Traffic Authority. Only then will riders be able — and required  – to take out compulsory civil liability insurance.

Coverage has been clearly defined. In the event of an accident, insurance will cover up to €6.45 million for personal injuries and €1.3 million for damage to property.

However, there are limitations. Some situations will not be covered. These include fires or explosions that occur while the scooter is being stored or transported, or when it’s parked within a building or outside of designated parking areas.

Once enforcement begins, riding uninsured could lead to fines ranging from €200 to €1,000.

Many riders miss the exception

Not everyone will be included in the grace period.

DGT made it clear that VMPs capable of exceeding speeds of 14 km/h and weighing over 25 kilograms must be insured, even if the registrar is inactive.

Owners of heavier vehicles will have until the 26th January 2026 to comply. The vehicles will not need to be registered yet, but they must have insurance.

It’s a detail that’s easy to overlook – and one that could catch some riders out if they assume the delay applies to everyone.

Why authorities continue to move forward despite delays

The bureaucratic chaos hides a growing concern for safety. According to data from Fundación Mapfre, accidents involving VMPs increased sharply in 2024. The number of reported incidents increased by 23 percent compared to the previous year. 240 people were injured and 14 died.

The majority of these fatalities were scooter users.

For now, if an uninsured scooter causes injury, the Insurance Compensation Consortium will step in to cover personal damage – but not material losses. The safety net provided by the Insurance Compensation Consortium is limited and temporary. It’s another reason for authorities to speed up the implementation of this system.

What riders need to do now

The majority of scooter users will not need to take any immediate action on the 2nd January. The issue is not to be ignored.

DGT is processing the registration order urgently. After it is approved, the deadlines and enforcement could be fast approaching.

In other words, the fines aren’t coming yet – but they are coming.

Now, scooter riders in Spain have some time. False reassurance is not what they need.