Local police launch campaign aimed at owners of electric scooters

The local police in Xàbia have launched an awareness campaign to explain the regulations that apply to owners of personal mobility vehicles (PMV) such as electric scooters.

The councillor responsible for Citizen Safety and Mobility, Juan Ortolá, explained that there are many people who use this type of vehicle to circulate around the municipality but are unaware of the regulations of the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) with regards to their use, which is why the local police have decided to launched the awareness campaign.

A PMV is any vehicle with one or more wheels with a capacity for one person which is powered exclusively by an electric motor that allows speeds of between 6 and 25 km/h. The main types of PMV are electric scooters, electric bicycles, Segways, and hoverboards. Toys, vehicles for people with reduced mobility and vehicles that have assisted pedalling, such as some electric bicycles, are excluded from these regulations.

The DGT decided to act due to the proliferation of this type of sustainable mobility in towns and cities which has led to a notable increase in accidents and injuries, not only to the users but also to pedestrians. Thus, every user of an electric scooter or other PMV must respect certain traffic rules, just like drivers of cars, motorcycles and other vehicles.

Thus, the VMP (including electric scooters) must circulate on the road as close as possible to the right-hand side or in designated bicycle lanes and not on the pavement. Users must wear a helmet and have civil liability insurance. In addition, the vehicle must have a bell, front and rear lights, and approved reflective elements. In order to drive at night, users must wear a reflective jacket. In addition, users are obliged to respect traffic regulations, including STOP signs, GIVE WAY signs, and pedestrian crossings.

The following actions are prohibited and can result in a fine being issued by the authorities:

• exceeding a maximum speed of 25km/h;
• travelling on pavements and in pedestrianised areas;
• driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs (unlike private cars, the tolerance is zero, i.e. 0 grams per litre of blood alcohol when giving a breathalyzer test);
• travelling whilst listening to headphones, mobile phones and/or other devices that reduce the attention of the user;
• travelling with more than one person on the scooter.

The tax demands will be delivered to the home. If not received, they can be downloaded from the Oficina Virtual Tributaria (click here) or in person at the Oficial de Atención al Público in Calle Mayor, 15.