Starting January 22, 2027, Spain will allow only certified personal mobility vehicles (VMPs) on public roads. The Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) has set the deadline for uncertified electric scooters and similar vehicles, affecting both riders and manufacturers.
The clock started ticking on January 21, 2024, when the DGT’s new rules took effect. From that day, every VMP sold in Spain, especially electric scooters, had to have a certificate of approval. Scooters bought before then get a three-year grace period, but after January 2027 they will no longer be allowed on the road, regardless of their age or condition.
OCU reported that, as of September 2026, only about 140,000 out of more than 4 million electric scooters in Spain had been registered, a sign that the market is poorly prepared for the new requirements.
Safety and order are basic to the move. The certificate confirms that each vehicle meets minimum standards for quality and durability, along with technical reliability. Without it, a scooter or similar device is not considered safe or legal under Spanish law. The consumer group OCU says the rules are intended to ensure that only vehicles meeting strict technical and safety standards remain on the road after the transition period.
For buyers, the days of picking up any cheap scooter online or in a shop are over. The DGT maintains an official list of approved brands and models on its website. Only vehicles on that list will meet the new rules and remain street-legal after 2027. OCU notes that, starting in 2026, legal use of a VMP will also require registration in the DGT registry, a visible ID sticker and valid insurance. Older models have a grace period until January 2027.
The technical requirements are strict. Certified VMPs cannot exceed 25 km/h, and their motors must cut off at that speed. Anti-tampering systems are required to prevent illegal changes to speed or power. Each vehicle must have a visible speedometer and battery indicator, while its braking system must include two separate brakes. Models with more than two wheels also need a parking brake.
OCU reports that registration of a certified VMP in the DGT registry costs 8.67 euros, while the mandatory identification sticker can add around 20 euros to the total compliance cost. Failure to meet these requirements may result in fines of up to 1,220 euros, information from independent Spanish media and consumer organizations.
Visibility is also required. All certified vehicles need reflectors at the front, on the sides and at the rear, plus a clear or built-in brake light. An acoustic warning device is mandatory, and scooters made for cargo or services must have a reverse warning sound. Two-wheeled models must have a kickstand or central stand for parking stability.
Wheel requirements are strict: they must be at least 203.2 mm in diameter and have a rough surface for grip. Slick tires are banned. Folding scooters must have a double safety system to prevent them from opening accidentally. Every certified VMP must carry a unique, permanent factory marking with details such as top speed, serial number, certificate number, year of construction, brand and model, as well as a rear registration label.
Manufacturers have had to change their production lines since the technical manual was published in the BOE on January 21, 2022. If you are considering buying a scooter, check the DGT’s list and avoid any model without the required certificate. E-Planet Mobility confirms that only models meeting all technical and anti-tampering rules are on the official list of allowed vehicles.
This clampdown is part of a wider shift in Spanish transport policy. As reported earlier, the DGT has already tightened rules for motorhomes and older vehicles. The goal is to modernize and standardize what is allowed on Spanish roads.
Riders must meet the new standards or leave their scooter at home. The DGT’s certification and technical checks are intended to keep city streets safe and orderly as they become more crowded, while maintaining reliability.
