Mandatory insurance for e-scooter owners in Spain from 2026

From the start of 2026, owners of personal mobility vehicles (PMVs) such as electric scooters, hoverboards, electric skateboards, electric bikes and Segways for example, will be required to purchase liability insurance to ride them.

This is part of an amendment to the Automobile Insurance Law, which was recently approved by the Spanish government.

Currently, when PMVs like e-scooters, are involved in an accident and it’s their fault, they are not covered if they injure someone or their property.

READ ALSO: Is it legal for e-scooter users to ride on the pavement in Spain?

In some cases, e-scooter owners have even been left bankrupt after having to pay out large sums of money in compensation or be forced to sell large assets to help them cover the costs.

By introducing compulsory civil liability insurance, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Enterprise hopes to ensure that these sustainable methods of transport are compatible with the protecting victims of accidents. A special commission will be created in order to specify the what this insurance must cover.

The new rules define PMVs as electric motor vehicles that move on the ground using one or more wheels, are equipped with a single seat, and can reach a maximum speed of between six and 25 kilometres per hour, provided their weight is less than 25 kilograms.

It is common, however, to see them go much faster than this as the motors are often modified and the batteries are given more power to increase speed.

The change in legislation also means that owners will have to register with the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) by January 2nd, 2026.

Currently the number of electric scooters in Spain unknown, but the Spanish Federation of Personal Mobility Vehicles estimated at the end of 2023 that there were around five million.

It is likely there are less now due PMV bans on public transport, more rules and and some cities rescinding licences of scooter rental companies. Exact numbers will made clear after the registration next year.