And not; We are not only referring to the areas through which you can circulate (and must), but also all the necessary procedures so that your use is in order. Because, as we say, this type of device to move from one place has grown a lot over time, and in recent years, even more so. That has motivated, for its part, several manufacturers to make their foray and have a more than distinguished presence.
Basic fundamentals
There is no doubt that these and other VMPs, the so-called Personal Mobility Vehicles, have made a place for themselves in large cities, forcing city councils and the DGT to regulate its use. And not only that, but due to its enormous growth, insurance companies are already launching insurance for electric scooters on the market as a way to adapt to today’s new mobility needs.
In his case, and like the bicycles that are presented today with batteries, they are seen in different formats and powers. There are electric scooters with a seat and without a seat and with large or small wheels. They are constituted as a compact and light vehicle. But they are not for everyone and are regulated differently.
But let’s go to the beginning. The idea of putting a small electric motor in an urban vehicle is not new. Already for a few years we can see in the streets of our cities inventions such as overboard (small platforms with two parallel wheels that are handled by tilting the body), unicycles or even the famous Segways.
However, it was not until the arrival of electric scooters proper that this sustainable alternative has really caught on. As such, and expressed precisely in its regulation and procedures, these scooters are dictated as urban vehicles of small size and weight. To do this, it is explained that they are made up of a platform with two wheels placed in line and a handle that allows you to choose the direction of the front. Is it so powered by a small electric motorand are usually controlled by a simple push button located on the handlebars.
How are your rules?
As we say, and as happens with any type of vehicle that we have, they are regulated. For example, and to get an idea of its regulations, as a general rule we should ride the bike laneswith a moderate speed, so as not to harm other skaters or cyclists.
First of all, we must have common sense, and be protected from any fall that we may have. It also points out that there specific regulations in some autonomous communities beyond the approved circulation law itself. The latter is done because there are cities that have different measures for which they can roads such as their bike lanes, for example.
Thus, knowing the regulations applicable to electric scooters will be very useful for us to use them safely in your city, something that we have to take into account when we go to the relevant procedures for the scooters themselves. Yes indeed; it is important that we know that the DGT obliges everyone to comply with the following rulesregardless of the city through which they circulate.
- Your speed should be between 6 and 25 km/h.
- Driving on sidewalks is prohibited. In fact, this is usually one of the main reasons for sanctions.
- It is not allowed to circulate on intercity roadscrossings, highways, motorways or urban tunnels.
- It is not allowed mobile phone use not even headphones.
- It is forbidden to use them under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- In situations of poor visibility, the use of reflective elements. In addition, the vehicle must have the lighting on.
- It is only allowed to be used for only one person; driving with a passenger behind could lead to a penalty.
All your procedures
Something basic and important to stress about them is that, beyond their own rules and regulations, this series of mobility devices already vehicles are considered as such. Or what is the same; They are no longer given as simple ‘toys’ or recreational for children, adolescents or adults.
Now they are part of the wide field of locomotion devices that allow the transfer from one place to another. As the DGT pointed out at the beginning, it was only the first step: the next one has been taken by the current traffic law elevating some precepts to the category of law. That is why, for example, overboards can circulate on streets that are not exclusively for pedestrians, among others, while the so-called VMPs cannot.
With this, it is not enough just to acquire the vehicle: now we will have to be in possession of some documents or paperwork for the later use of the scooters. While in case we do not gather what is necessary, we could be incurring an incident -slight or serious, depending on how you look at it- of traffic.
circulation certificate
The VMP regulation includes a rule that brings users and manufacturers upside down: the obligation to have a circulation certificate as part of the procedures to drive electrified scooters. It is done based on Royal Decree 970/2020, which establishes that all vehicles must have this document “that guarantees compliance with the technical requirements by the national and international regulations included in its characteristics manual, as well as its identification».
What does this mean? That this will be the document that we must have in which the technical characteristics of the same are collected, such as its weight, power, dimensions, diameter of the wheels, classification, maximum speed… at the same time, this document will be updated with the possible regulatory modifications that are carried out soon. It will not be mandatory until 2023, but it is recommended to have it now.
the scooter insurance
In general, in Spain it is not mandatory to take out insurance for these, although more and more cities are requesting that, among the procedures to be counted for their use, there be a specific insurance of skateboards. There are them in locations like Barcelona, Alicante and Benidorm, who directly demand them.
However, in the event that they are used as means or for profit, such as rental companies, for example, it will be necessary for all legal purposes to have them insured. Also, as a recommendation, it is always advisable to do it to be covered in the event of any type of accident.
Technical inspection card or document
This is one of the procedures that have come with the new implementation of the competent legislation for electric scooters. As such, it is a document that is similar to the one we must have with our car or motorcycle. We are talking about the Technical Inspection card, ITV type.
It is made to be seen as exclusive to the vehicle (the owner’s name does not appear) and by which its homologation characteristics are reflected (manufacturer, model, identification number, power…). This joins the first circulation certificate that completes it because it is one more Data sheet that must be carried from the moment the vehicle leaves the store.
And it is yes; being collected as vehicles within the Vehicle Regulations, not considered motor vehicles but yes propulsion electrical, this will make them have to register and therefore also pass the Technical Inspection of Vehicles. In your case, those that are of greater powers must pass the ITV every three years as well as the encompassed mopeds.
Registration document
It is important that we bear in mind that we must register the electric scooter by the DGT; although, broadly speaking, it is not yet mandatory. In any case, and given the growth of these platforms, it is more than advisable to register them (Although those inside mopeds must be under these established limits.
Something similar happens with insurance; At the moment, in the eyes of the law, it is possible to circulate without it, but there are several cities such as Barcelona that do require this type of accreditation in the form of procedures so that we can use our electric scooters. Those that must expressly do so are personal mobility vehicles (VMP) that fall into the category of electric scooter, have a seat and can reach up to 50km/h. They enter the category L1e-A of the General Directorate of Traffic and affect the legislation of the registration of the electric scooter.