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Marbella’s local police informs cyclists of new rules.
Credit: Policia Local, Marbella
Marbella Local Police issued only 47 fines over a period of 16 months for violations of the new local bylaws that regulate personal mobility devices (PMVs), including e-scooters. This is an average of one fine every 10 days.
This figure is shockingly low and causes complaints, given that dozens of infractions are observed daily by e-scooter riders across Marbella.
In the last year and a quarter, the police carried out two campaigns focusing on PMVs, performing 26 stop-and checks and inspecting 171 vehicles. This resulted in 47 fines due to violations of municipal rules. In 2023, 116 fines were issued, with 55 checkpoints and three special campaigns. 283 vehicles, including e-scooters, bicycles and e-scooters, were inspected. In 2022 only 19 fines, or slightly more than 1 per month, were issued.
Marbella’s council emphasizes education over punishment. José Eduardo Díaz, the Councillor for Public Safety, told local media, “Our guideline is to issue fines only when there’s clear danger, focusing instead on informing and educating PMV users about the rules, as we’ve noticed significant ignorance of the regulations, especially among foreign riders.”
Marbella’s new summer rules for ebikes and e-scooters
In a recent decree, the council has limited the use by escooters, bikes, and other PMVs along certain sections of Marbella promenade, from July 1 until September 30. The decree requires that PMVs give priority to pedestrians and maintain a speed limit of 10 km/h. They must also travel on the left side of the road. It is prohibited to ride recklessly or zigzag.
No dedicated police unit enforces these restrictions despite the pedestrian priority rule. The council stated that its Mobility Unit monitors PMV compliance alongside other duties such as monitoring heavy vehicles, public transport and VTCs.
The local ordinances specify strict rules for PMVs.
- These are only for one-person use. They cannot accommodate passengers, animals, or any other object that might hinder the safe operation.
- The PMV must follow all traffic laws and travel on the road.
- The parking of PMVs in loading zones, areas for public services, places reserved for people who have reduced mobility, and emergency exits is also prohibited.
- Helmets for all cyclists are mandatory.
- The minimum age to ride a PMV in the United States is 14.
- Civil liability insurance must be purchased.
- While riding, it is forbidden to use headphones, mobile phones, or earbuds.
The low rate of fines suggests that Marbella is taking a more lenient stance, even though the city has tightened rules ahead of the busy summer months.
