Mandatory insurance for electric scooters: Legislation in effect in 2026

The Safe for electric scooters is now mandatory in Spain For personal mobility vehicles that fall within the legal category of light personal vehicles and meet the requirements to be driven. The obligation stems from Law 5/2025 and is complemented by the Register of Light Personal Vehicles regulated by Royal Decree 52/2026.

In practice, if you use an electric scooter to travel on public roads, you must check whether your VMP is registered with the DGT, carry an identification label, and have a valid insurance policy. compulsory civil liability insurance. This insurance is designed to cover personal injuries and rialproperty damage that you may cause to third parties while driving.

At PIB Group Iberia we work with solutions from safe for electric scooters and we help you check whether your vehicle needs to be insured, what documentation you need and what coverages may be suitable for the use you make of your VMP.

Is insurance mandatory for electric scooters in Spain?

Yes. Current regulations establish the obligation to insure light personal vehicles that may be driven by having a certificate of registration, registration in the DGT Vehicle Register, and an identification label.

This group includes many personal electric scooters, provided that they meet the technical specifications stipulated by the regulations. Therefore, if you have an electric scooter, it is advisable to check whether it falls into this category and complete the necessary procedures to drive it properly.

The obligation applies to the owner of a light personal vehicle, who must subscribe to and maintain in force civil liability insurance for each vehicle they own.

What electric scooters must have mandatory insurance

Law 5/2025 considers light personal vehicles, for the purposes of mandatory insurance, to be those vehicles that travel on the ground using one or more wheels, have a single seat, are powered exclusively by an electric motor and reach certain maximum speeds specified by manufacture.

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What the DGT requires to drive an electric scooter

The DGT indicates that personal mobility vehicles must have a certificate of registration in the Register of Light Personal Vehicles and carry the identification label. With that certificate, the owner can contract the mandatory insurance for the VMP.

In practice, to ride a electric scooter properly you need to check:

• If your VMP meets the applicable technical requirements.
• You must be registered in the DGT Vehicle Register.
• If you have a certificate of registration.
• It carries a visible identification tag.
• If you have mandatory civil liability insurance in effect.
• If it complies with the municipal traffic regulations.

You can consult the official information from the DGT about the Registration of Personal Mobility Vehicles.

Registration of electric scooters with the DGT

Royal Decree 52/2026 regulates the Light Personal Vehicles Registry. This registry allows each LMV to be identified through a registration certificate and a label with an assigned number.

According to the DGT, when registering the vehicle, a license plate number and a digital registration certificate are generated. That certificate allows you to apply for mandatory insurance coverage.

What about old or uncertified electric scooters?

MPVs marketed before January 22, 2024 that are not certified may continue to circulate until 22 January 2027, According to the transitional regime. However, that does not mean that they are exempt from any obligations.

The DGT indicates that these vehicles must be registered, although the form indicates that they are non-certified vehicles. The identification will be temporary and will no longer have effect from January 22, 2027.

From that date onwards, only VMPs that have the corresponding certification will be allowed to circulate.

What does the mandatory electric scooter insurance cover

The mandatory insurance for electric scooters covers civil liability towards third parties for personal injuries and rialproperty damage caused in a traffic accident involving a light personal vehicle.

Law 5/2025 establishes the following minimum coverage amounts:

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This minimum coverage should not be confused with a full insurance policy. According to the policy, guarantees such as legal defense, damage claim, assistance, personal damage, theft, or the driver's own accident can be added.

Which does not necessarily cover mandatory insurance

Mandatory insurance focuses on civil liability towards third parties. Therefore, it will not always cover all the damages you or your own scooter may suffer.

Before signing up, check whether the policy includes or excludes:

• Damage caused by the scooter itself.
• Robbery or theft of the VMP.
• Personal accidents of the driver.
• Assistance in moving around.
• Legal defense and claim for damages.
• Professional use, distribution, or commercial activity.
• Use by minors.
• Circulation outside of permitted routes.
• Technical manipulation of the vehicle.

What penalty may apply for riding a scooter without insurance

Law 5/2025 establishes that the monetary penalties applicable to light personal vehicles will be one-third of those provided for in the case of non-insurance of motor vehicles. The specific penalty will be graduated according to the circumstances of the case.

In addition, driving without insurance can create a much greater financial problem than the fine: if you cause damage to a pedestrian, another vehicle, or third-party property, you could be required to pay the corresponding compensation.

You should also bear in mind that tampering with the vehicle's technical features can have consequences if it contributed to the accident or its aggravation.

Mandatory insurance for electric scooters in Barcelona

Barcelona frequently appears in searches because it has specific municipal regulations regarding the circulation of VMP. In addition to the state requirement of insurance and registration, each municipality can regulate specific aspects of circulation, helmet use, permitted areas, restrictions on sidewalks, speed limits, or conditions of use.

In cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Zaragoza, Valencia, Seville and other municipalities, it is always advisable to check the current local ordinance. The state insurance obligation does not replace the municipal traffic regulations.

If you use your electric scooter in Barcelona, please check especially:

• Mandatory use of a helmet if required by the ordinance.
• Prohibition to drive on sidewalks and in prohibited pedestrian areas.
• Minimum age, if applicable.
• Maximum speed on bike lanes or authorized sidewalks.
• Use of lights and reflective elements.
• Civil liability insurance and documentation of the VMP.
• Specific standards for rental companies, delivery services or economic activity.

Does home insurance cover the electric scooter?

Some home policies may include certain family civil liability coverage, but it is not advisable to assume that they automatically replace mandatory VMP insurance. The current obligation is linked to the personal light vehicle and its insurance for driving.

If you have any doubts, check the terms of your home insurance and check:

• If he/she specifically mentions VMP or electric scooters.
• If it covers only family civil liability or also the circulation of the VMP.
• If it excludes motor vehicles or vehicles subject to mandatory insurance.
• If you cover minors or other scooter users.
• If the coverage serves to fulfill the current legal obligation.

You can consult our solutions household insurance If you want to review your family civil liability, but to drive with a VMP it is advisable to contract a specific policy that complies with the applicable regulations.

Do I need insurance if the scooter is for rent?

If you use an electric scooter for hire, the company that owns or operates the service must comply with the obligations applicable to the vehicle and the activity. However, as a user, it is advisable to check what the service covers before driving.

Before using a rental VMP, check:

• If the company reports on civil liability coverage.
• What damages are covered.
• If there are any franchise or user responsibilities.
• What happens if you violate traffic rules.
• Use outside of permitted areas is excluded.

How to purchase insurance for an electric scooter

To obtain electric scooter insurance, it is usually necessary to identify the vehicle and provide the owner's details. After registering with the DGT, the registration certificate makes it easier to obtain the mandatory insurance.

What to check before hiring an electric scooter insurance

Not all electric scooter insurance offers the same level of protection. Before signing up, check these points:

• Compulsory coverage: Civil liability towards third parties in accordance with current regulations.
• Limits of compensation: Personal injuries and damage rialto property, at least in the legal amounts.
• Scope of use: Private, professional, rental or leasing.
• Users covered: Owner, family members, minors or authorized users.
• Legal defense: Assistance in claims or conflicts arising from an accident.
• Personal accidents: Cover for injuries to the driver themselves, if contracted.
• Theft or own damage: Additional guarantees that are not always included in mandatory insurance.
• Exclusions: Driving in prohibited areas, manipulation of the VMP, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, non-declaration of use or non-compliance with regulations.

Electric scooter insurance for minors

Minors can have VMP registered in their name, but the DGT indicates that the registration process online must be carried out by their legal guardian. Additionally, each policy can establish specific conditions for underage users.

Before allowing a minor to use an electric scooter, check:

• Minimum age allowed by the municipal ordinance.
• Mandatory use of a helmet.
• Mandatory insurance and additional coverage.
• Responsibility of parents or guardians.
• Areas through which you can circulate.
• Basic training on traffic regulations.

Electric scooter and mandatory helmet

Helmet regulation may depend on state regulations and municipal ordinances. The DGT reminds that each municipality can regulate the circulation of VMP specifically. Therefore, the specific helmet requirement may vary depending on the city.

Although it is not always the case, wearing a helmet is a recommended safety measure. In the event of an accident, it can reduce the risk of serious injuries and prevent problems if the local ordinance requires it.

Common mistakes with the mandatory electric scooter insurance

• Thinking that it is not yet mandatory: The state obligation is already in effect for the VMPs included in the corresponding legal category.
• Not registering the scooter with the DGT: The registration certificate is key to identifying the VMP and contracting the mandatory insurance.
• Believing that home insurance is always enough: It may cover certain family civil liability claims, but it does not necessarily fulfill the specific obligation of the VMP.
• Do not review the municipal ordinance: Each municipality can regulate traffic, the roadway, permitted zones, and penalties.
• Buying an uncertified VMP: Models sold since January 22, 2024 must be certified to be roadworthy.
• Manipulating the scooter: Modifying speed, power, or technical characteristics can affect legality and insurance.
• Contracting only for price: It is advisable to review limitations, exclusions, legal defense, personal accidents, and declared use.

Key questions before riding your electric scooter

Before riding an electric scooter, you should be able to answer these questions:

• Is my scooter certified or does it fall under the transitional regime?
• Are you registered in the DGT Vehicle Register?
• Do I have a registration certificate?
• Does it have an identification tag attached?
• Do I have mandatory civil liability insurance?
• Does the policy cover the actual use I make of the scooter?
• Does my city's ordinance require a helmet?
• Do I know where I can go and where I can't go?

If you use other means of personal mobility, you can also check out our solutions for bicycle insurance y accident insurance.

Compare your electric scooter insurance with personalized advice

Mandatory insurance for electric scooters should not be seen solely as a legal obligation. It is also a way to protect your assets if you cause damage to a pedestrian, another vehicle, or third-party property.

At PIB Group Iberia we can help you check whether your VMP needs to be registered, what documentation you need, which coverages are mandatory and what additional guarantees may be suitable for your actual use.

Requests a personalized assessment and sarewe reviewed what alternative of safe for electric scooters it might fit better with you.