New Insurance Rules for E-Scooters and Fast E-Bikes Start Today
The new V16 emergency beacon is not the only regulation coming into force this January. One of the most significant changes to mobility law now requires electric scooters and certain types of bicycles to have compulsory insurance from this Friday, 2 January 2026.
Which Vehicles Need Insurance?
The Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) distinguishes between two types of electric bikes. The most common are EPAC or ‘pedelec’ bikes, which have a motor of up to 250W and assist the rider to a maximum speed of 25 km/h. These are considered conventional bicycles and will not need compulsory insurance.
However, ‘Speed Pedelecs’, which can reach speeds of up to 45 km/h, are treated differently. From today, these faster e-bikes must be registered, licensed, and have third-party liability insurance.
The majority of electric scooters, classified as Personal Mobility Vehicles (VMPs), will also require mandatory civil liability insurance. According to the General Vehicle Regulations, a VMP is a one-person vehicle with one or more wheels, powered by an electric motor, and capable of speeds between 6 and 25 km/h.
Where You Can and Cannot Ride
The DGT also reiterates where these vehicles are prohibited. They must not be used on pavements, pedestrian zones, urban thoroughfares, motorways, dual carriageways, interurban roads, or in tunnels. Their use is restricted to roadways authorised by local bylaws. If no specific bylaw exists, they may be used on any urban road.
Safety Equipment and Driver Rules
Riders are subject to the same alcohol limits and drug-driving prohibitions as other drivers. The DGT mandates that every VMP must have a braking system, an acoustic warning device (a bell), and front and rear lights and reflectors.
While not always mandatory by local law, the use of a helmet is strongly recommended, as is third-party liability insurance.
Registration, Certification and Fines
It will become compulsory to obtain a certificate of circulation, to register the vehicle in the DGT’s public registry, and to display a label on the vehicle showing its assigned registration number. Those who fail to comply with the law face fines of between €200 and €1,000, depending on the severity of the offence.
Transition Period and Pending Registry
The DGT is currently developing an official registry to allow for the identification and registration of these vehicles. The Royal Decree is being processed, although its technical development is complete. The DGT confirms: “While the corresponding regulation is being processed, the prior obligation to register personal mobility vehicles will not be applicable until the registry is properly regulated and operational. In particular, the insurance obligation for those considered light personal vehicles will not be enforceable until the registry is properly regulated and operational, and their registration can be carried out.”
However, the DGT notes that personal mobility vehicles exceeding 25 kg in weight and a speed of 14 km/h must be insured without the need for prior registration. A transitional period for this is in place until 26 January 2026.
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