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Police Step Up E‑Scooter Checks After Spain’s Top Court Says High‑Power Models Count as Mopeds

National registration, insurance, and plate requirements remain pending, leaving key new obligations in limbo.

Overview

  • The Supreme Court’s November 17, 2025 ruling upheld a conviction from a 2021 Barcelona case, finding a 1,900‑watt, 45 km/h scooter met the legal definition of a moped and required a licence under article 384.2 of the Penal Code.
  • Judges grounded the classification in technical thresholds set by EU Regulation 168/2013 and Spanish law, emphasizing speed and power—rather than appearance—as the determinant between VMPs and mopeds.
  • The DGT has announced new measures such as vehicle registration, visible identification and compulsory liability insurance, but their rollout depends on a national VMP registry that is not yet operational.
  • Paterna has unveiled a more restrictive local ordinance and a campaign to enforce helmet use and civil liability insurance, with intensified police controls in high‑traffic areas.
  • Arroyo de la Encomienda will run a January 12–18 police campaign to inform riders of current rules and penalties, including fines of up to €1,000 for alcohol or drug use and €500 for non‑homologated scooters exceeding 25 km/h.