E-scooter riders in Estepona are being warned to get familiar with the rules, as the town hall’s new regulations are coming into force with fines of up to €1,000 for the most serious offences.
The new ordinance covers personal mobility vehicles and leaves little room for confusion. It sets out where scooters can be used, where they are banned and what riders could face if they ignore the rules. One of the main restrictions is a ban on e-scooters in pedestrian areas, including Estepona’s seafront promenade, Calle Terraza and Calle Real. Signs are already in place in those areas, making it clear that scooters are not allowed.
Riders must use their arms to signal in the absence of indicators
They are also banned from pavements. Under the new rules, e-scooters may only be used on roads and cycle lanes. If a scooter does not have indicators, riders must use their arm to signal manoeuvres. The rules also set speed limits depending on the type of street. Scooters can travel at up to 25km/h on streets with pavements, 20km/h on roads without pavements and 10km/h in areas where lower limits are specifically signposted.
The fines depend on the offence. Carrying more than one person on a scooter can lead to a €100 fine, while riding without compulsory third-party liability insurance can bring a penalty of €800. The heaviest fine, €1,000, applies to riders who test positive for alcohol or drugs. There are several other conditions riders need to bear in mind. Users must be at least 16 years old and must wear an approved helmet. The use of mobile phones and headphones while riding is also prohibited.
E-scooters have become a popular way to travel around, avoiding traffic and easier parking
In addition, owners must have third-party liability insurance and the manufacturer’s circulation certificate for the vehicle. Riders must obey traffic signs, traffic lights and pedestrian crossings, and anyone crossing at a pedestrian crossing must get off and walk the scooter across.
For Estepona residents, including expats, foreign homeowners and regular visitors, e-scooters have become a handy way to get around for short journeys and can be extremely useful, however the town hall’s message is, yes they are practical, but they are not exempt from the rules.
The news rules are mirroring the wider picture across Spain, with more municipalities bringing in tighter controls as e-scooters become more common on local streets. For international residents and tourists, it is useful to remember that the rules here may not match those outside of Spain. In a busy area like Estepona, where pedestrians, drivers, residents and holidaymakers all share the same public spaces, there is an issue around safety, consideration and avoiding unnecessary risks in crowded areas.
So riders, know the rules before setting off, because in Estepona, breaking them could be a very expensive mistake.
