Marbella leads the way with strict new rules for electric scooter riders

The Marbella city council has ushered in a new era for electric scooter and personal mobility vehicle (PMV) riders with the introduction of stringent municipal laws aimed at controlling their movement within the town. In a bid to enhance safety and curb the growing concerns associated with electric scooters, the council's decision comes as a welcome change.

Local councillor Félix Romero announced that these regulations would be initially implemented in an "experimental" manner and are subject to potential adjustments based on the evolving needs of the community. The core provisions of these new laws are as follows:

1 Maximum Speed Limit: Electric scooters and personal mobility vehicle users will be subject to a maximum speed limit of 20 km/h. However, this limit will be further reduced to 5 km/h in certain designated areas to ensure pedestrian safety.

2 Use of Cycle Lanes: Where available, riders will be required to use designated cycle lanes. This move is aimed at improving the flow of traffic and enhancing the safety of all road users.

3 Mandatory Insurance: Users must possess mandatory insurance coverage to operate their vehicles legally. This requirement is introduced to protect both riders and potential accident victims.

4 Road Positioning: In areas lacking dedicated cycle lanes, electric scooters and personal mobility vehicles users must adhere to the right-hand side of the road, ensuring smoother traffic integration.

5 Prohibited to Ride on Pavements: Riding on pavements or in pedestrianized areas is strictly prohibited. This measure aims to safeguard pedestrians and minimize conflicts between scooter riders and walkers. In these areas, they must stop riding and walk with their scooter or PMV.

6 Restrictions on Certain Roads: The regulations also explicitly forbid the use of electric scooters on interurban roads and motorways, reinforcing the safety measures in place.

7 Minimum Age Requirement: Riders must be at least 14 years old to operate electric scooters. This age restriction aligns with safety concerns associated with young riders.

8 Mandatory Use of Helmets: Wearing a helmet while riding electric scooters is mandatory for everyone to minimize the risk of head injuries in case of accidents.

9 Lighting and Warning Sound Requirements: Riders are required to equip their vehicles with both front and rear lights to enhance visibility. The use of headphones while riding is banned to ensure riders remain attentive to their surroundings.

10 Footwear Regulations: Footwear must not be "excessively loose" such as flip-flops or similar, and riders are prohibited from going barefoot. This rule is established to maintain rider stability and safety.

11 Parking Regulation: The new regulations also include guidelines for the parking of electric scooters, with specific areas designated for their safe storage.

These comprehensive rules aim to create a more regulated environment for electric scooter and personal mobility vehicle users, addressing concerns over safety and promoting responsible riding, as well as safety for the general public and pedestrians. Marbella residents and visitors alike can expect these rules to bring order to the growing electric scooter trend while improving road safety for all.